Sydney FC got themselves right back into finals contention with a 1-0 win over Victory in front of over 18,000 at the newly-named Allianz Stadium. Karol Kisel would give Sydney the huge win from the penalty spot in the 34th minute. Victory can feel lucky that the end result wasn’t as ugly as it should have been.

Melbourne Victory

1. Poor
Don’t really know where to begin with this performance. I wholly agree with Mark Bosnich’s comments post game on Fox, after he labelled Victory’s performance “disgusting” and the worst he’s seen in the last three seasons. Mistakes, a defence with a sea-legs and a tough night in midfield saw Victory never get in the game. They allowed Sydney to dominate after an at times messy, scrambling opening characterised by strong tackles and were poor throughout.

2. Ineffectual subs
It was frustrating watching Magilton sit on his hands not making any changes after the carnage that was the first half. Allsopp would come on for Cernak on the hour, but I didn’t think that was the change needed. I would’ve made two changes at half-time, Broxham for Foschini at right full-back and Solorzano for Cernak, pushing Kewell wide. Foschini was shocking and should’ve been taken off, and Kewell shouldn’t start up front when he is playing his best on the left.

3. Defensive mistakes
So what else is new? I’ll repeat the question I asked last week, why are the same mistakes happening week in, week out? One of the problems were the full-backs were caught too far up the pitch and out of position, leaving the centre-backs with plenty to do. Franjic and Luzardo continue to struggle, which is a worry. Both were very clumsy and looked out of depth as Sydney would attack and attack.

4. The penalty call
Ubay Luzardo was foolish in the extreme as he held onto Bruno Cazarine, who would make the most of the contact and ref Ben Williams would point to the spot. However, I find myself asking this question with plenty of refereeing decisions this A-League season, would the decision be different in a different game? That’s the worry with A-League referees this season. And I’m not saying this penalty call was wrong, but consistency is needed and the standard needs to lift.

5. Let the season end and cleanout begin
What a season it has been for the power club. The season never really took off on-field as many problems, stemming from a lack of rejuvenation of playing ranks over the years, stacked up. The question is what to do? My opinion is to make Jim Magilton coach on a one-year deal. Let him do the job at cleaning out the list and get new faces and youth into the club. He needs to get Victory playing the way he says he wants them to. Only way that can happen is by time. Another massive off-season awaits Victory.

Sydney FC

1. Big atmosphere
More than 18,000 went to the SFS to watch this “Big Blue”; it’s a match I genuinely look forward to no matter how either side is going. It was great to see a good crowd in; it gave the game a real big-time atmosphere that the A-League will thrive on. Question is how this “big” club can get these crowds to keep coming through the SFS gates. The league needs a strong Sydney team with great crowds, but that debate won't fit in this article...

2. Should have won by more
For all the chances they created, Sydney would only win by a goal from the penalty spot as afterwards they would spurn chance after chance. They left themselves open to a few nervy last moments, but as Victory were woeful, they would get their clean sheet. They were stopped by Ante Covic and a couple of very close shots cleared off the line. Don’t know how often they can afford to be so profligate in coming weeks however.

3. The midfield
Lavicka settled on a 4-4-2 with Carle and McFlynn in midfield and Emerton and Kisel wide. I liked the idea of one holding midfielder, that being McFlynn, and one advancing. It is made possible to work by the defensive effort that Carle puts in. The captain has struggled at times this season, but I think he still is an important player as captain and screener. He is a presence in midfield and was complemented by Carle against Victory.

4. What does this win mean?
Will this performance from Sydney FC worry the top four teams on the table right now? I’m still not sure. Why they weren’t able to put more past Victory is a good question and their switch-offs in crucial parts in games this season has cost them hard. I think they have now got some pace up the front with Chianese given a chance, which was needed. They hassled Victory in midfield, pressing them and not allowing them much space and time, so there are signs there. The next two games are huge because of this result and others on the weekend.

5. Back in it
Only a win would do for Sydney and they did that. After the Jets and Heart’s draws on the weekend, the script could not have been written any better for upcoming weeks. Sydney play Heart in Melbourne and the Jets in Sydney to round out the season. The situation is quite simple, and they are now the masters of their destiny, only they will determine whether they play finals or not. Bring on the next couple of rounds.