Melbourne Victory returned to form with a timely 5-0 thrashing of a struggling Jets side, with braces from Mark Milligan and Marco Rojas adding to a Adrian Leijer headed goal. The win sets up a big month to come for Melbourne, what to take from this big win?

Melbourne

The Northern Terrace

Those watching at home would have noticed the deafening silence around AAMI Park in the first half as the North End fans undertook a silent protest. This was a result of confrontations with police and security at the last home game, but it is clear some issues (relating to lengthy bans and security confrontation) have been building up to this. Those opposed to the Terrace’s actions seem to be under the impression that the active fans are a performing act there for everyone’s entertainment. SHUT UP, JUST SING!

Far from it. The Northern Terrace exists because of a love of the game and the club. They channel their passions in very different way to most that attend Victory games, with an electric support that has drew me to the club. It is hard to have an opinion without actually being an active fan. The NT returned with a raucous second half, the mood could not have been more different.

Sublime

Anyway, over to the on-field happenings. It was a big way to rebound as Melbourne tore apart a decimated Jets unit. Victory did as they pleased all over the field, poking in past the visiting ‘defences’ to finish with five goals.  Marco Rojas finally had some support up front from the returning Thompson and improving Connor Pain, as Billy Celeski and Leigh Broxham ran rampant in midfield.

Melbourne Victory + Archie Thompson = A different team

As much as he has an effect on opposition defences, Victory look a more confident, sharper and different team with Thompson on the pitch. He keeps proving to be Victory’s most important player. It isn’t (or shouldn’t be) a surprise the last two games were lost without the Victory original no.10 there. He is a difference maker and could also have given Ange a new trick to keep up his sleeve.

4-2-2-2?

The pace of Thompson was utilised in midfield in front of the attacking third, a valuable quality of his is that he can play anywhere along the front three. A midfield four of Celeski, Milligan, Thompson and Marcos Flores could change a game late on if needed.  This would put Broxham’s midfield spot under question, but he can remain an integral part either starting or as a late sub when needing to close out games.

Back on track?

A 1-0 loss to Adelaide, 2-1 loss to Western Sydney and a 6-2 loss against Central Coast are now all left behind with this win. Games against Brisbane (A), Sydney (A), Perth (H) and Wellington (A) are to follow, and all should be winnable. A second place and ACL birth is still possible if the Mariners drop six points in the last four games. It is hard to view this Newcastle side as any sort of yardstick, a blistering end to the season awaits.

Newcastle

Penalties

Two penalties (both committed by poor Taylor Regan) were awarded against the visitors and both were put away. Regan had no help and no other option as Thompson charged at him at top pace to earn the first penalty. The second penalty conceded was clumsiness on Regan’s part as he clung on to Adrian Leijer at a set-piece to make his day that much worse.

Red Cards and Readjustments (or lack thereof)

As is more than likely to be the case when you give away two fouls/penalties, Regan was sent back to the rooms on the 55th minute. A surprise move from Gary van Egmond was to not bring on reserve centre-back Connor Chapman to help stem the bleeding defence until twenty minutes afterward. Surely putting another defender on to reduce the embarrassment (especially with goal difference to consider) was the first move to think of?

Poor, but ripe for the picking

They never had a chance, it could be said. One look at the team-sheet gave the suspicions, the opening ten minutes just confirmed them. A heavy week’s schedule and add that this wasn’t an XI that had played together before at this level, and it sure looked it. Van Egmond would allude to his players “not following the game plan”, the performance was either that or the plans being shoddy. It was and still is hard to tell which.

Team shaken up

Injuries and resting players left the Jets light on for squad numbers, leaving players in Mitch Cooper and Marko Jesic who have barely had game-time all of a sudden in the starting line-up. When you have experienced players resting, there is more risk involved. Hindsight is wonderful, but either of Emile Heskey or Michael Bridges should have taken a starting place.

What now?

All of these factors were at play for the Jets on the weekend, so it begs the question of whether this was a one off performance and a long-term question is whether the next generation of kids will “make it” or not. A promising group of youth will form the core of the Jets squad for years ahead. That of course is the ideal but the experiences now will be vital for them. Ryan Griffiths’ departure will fast-track certain youth players, which is a positive but a big season finish and season 2013-14 will be an indicator of how far the youth has come.