Melbourne Victory travelled up to Perth on Sunday evening in front of over 12,000 people at NIB Stadium. It was all one way as Perth thumped Melbourne 4-1, with Shane Smeltz leading the way with a double. Mile Sterjovski and Andrezinho would also get on the score-sheet, while Harry Kewell would nab a consolation penalty for Victory midway through the second half.

Melbourne Victory

1. Pathetic, poor effort

And this is probably the only way to describe the performance by the XI out there. Victory haven’t ever really played well in Perth, but this was just on another scale. The players’ body language said plenty, some looked like they just didn’t want to be there. You can handle losing to a better side when you put an effort in, but when you don’t, it is dissapointing to say the least.

2. Defence a shambles

Matt Kemp returned to the starting XI in place of the suspended Fabio. He hasn’t played A-League football for a while and he played like it. Adrian Leijer and Roddy Vargas were poor, giving away possession at costly times in costly areas. I’d also love to know how they were standing idly by when Smeltz poked home a cross unmarked early on. Matt Foschini had a horror match. Never have I seen a defence so wide open.

3. Why play Harry up the front?

Harry Kewell started next to Archie Thompson up the front. I thought that was a mistake, as the past two games saw Kewell play his best games for Victory on the left. I would’ve started him there and play Solorzano next to Archie. It is probably more of an experimental move from Magilton, who is still clearly learning about his players. I hope he sees what I have seen in the past couple of games.

4. Deserved red and penalties given

Let me go through them all. I thought the first penalty (Adrian Leijer’s on Todd Howarth) was fair enough. If you are reckless enough to keep holding on to a player after being warned by the referee, what else do you expect to happen?

The only doubt I had on the Foschini penalty was that it might have been outside the box, but after seeing it on replay, it was fair enough. Danny Allsopp’s red was just lazy with a high leg and studs showing, he has ‘earned’ a week off for it.

5. Jim Magilton’s post-game comments

It was refreshing to hear a coach speak so honestly, it is in stark contrast compared to the post-game spin from Mehm Durakovic. He exudes confidence and passion for the game, which fills me with confidence as a fan. He has a job to do and it is way too early to make a call on him, he needs to be given time to do such a big job.

Perth Glory

1. Intimidating, big-time atmosphere

It was great seeing a packed house, which was loud and intimidating all game, in the stadium. I’m happy for the fans that their team put on a good show for them. It was a finals-like atmosphere and Glory played liked it. I hope the crowds keep coming through the gates, it will be a great thing for the A-League if they do.

2. Up for it

And you could tell from the first whistle. All game, the Glory players ran, chased and tackled whole-heartedly for the 90 minutes. Compare that to Victory’s efforts and their recent heavy scheduling and it is amazing. Not only that, but they played some really good football, particularly Evan Berger and Mile Sterjovski who tore up the left and right all game. They have some great individual talent and seem to be coming together at the right moment.

3. Bossed in midfield

The central holding and attacking midfield trio of Miller, Burns and McGarry dominated in the middle of the park. They pressed the Victory, forcing errors which built pressure and led to Smeltz’s first goal. They were well organised and were in the Victory faces all game. It has been one of their key strengths in their resurgence. Throw Shane Smeltz in there up the front, and you have a solid core in the centre of the park.

4. Evan Berger and Mile Sterjovski instrumental

The ex-Victory wide player got his first start at Glory and put in a solid, attacking, hard-working 90 minutes. I have to admit, I thought Marco Rojas would give him a workout, but it was the complete opposite in the end. Hopefully more starts are on the cards for him.

Mile Sterjovski ran all over Matt Kemp and had another good game, assisting Smeltz’s goal and nailing a penalty to end the game as a contest at half-time. It is good to see him in good form.

5. Contenders?

I haven’t been a fan of Glory with Ferguson at the helm to be honest. I didn’t think he was the right guy to get the best of this talented squad. But he is starting to prove me wrong, as Glory have gone on a six-game unbeaten run and look set to play finals.

I’d like to see them play the top teams, Central Coast Mariners and Brisbane Roar, right now. It would be fun to watch. Probably too early to make a call on them, but Glory have put themselves in a good position at this stage of the season