___ >>> click here for the match action

The result saw the Mariners extend their lead atop the A-League ladder to four points from second-placed Adelaide, with the Reds still to take on the Wellington Phoenix on Sunday.

Arnold was largely happy with his team and keen to emphasise the efforts of right-back Bojic as the Mariners registered their eighth win of the season.

"You have got to give credit to the guy because he stays behind at training twice a week and practices from just outside the penalty area," Arnold said.

"He is putting in the hard yards at training and when we are getting free kicks in and around the box he is stepping up with confidence."

Bojic, who is contracted with the Mariners until the end of the 2013-14 season, continued his fine form against the Heart, and Arnold was pleased he continued to haunt Melbourne's second club.

"Melbourne Heart must be sick of the sight of him because that is three goals he has scored against them and he is striking the ball well at the moment and it's full credit to him," Arnold noted.

Arnold pinpointed key improvements in the side which he has been looking to implement in the Premiers Plate holders.

"In transition when we get the ball in to the pockets and on the break I think we are a really exciting team to watch," he said.

"It's the structures that we play and the way that we are playing that the players are extremely confident. When they are getting the ball they are seeing two or three pictures, two or three players available as well which gives them more choices and better choices to make.

"When the field opens up a bit the likes of Tommy Rogic, Michael McGlinchey and Bernie Ibini they can just tear teams apart with Josh Rose and Pedj coming in from behind."

The night was not all positive for the Mariners, as Arnold confirmed there was a slight injury concern on midfield maestro Rogic.

"He has a bit of a problem behind his left knee that he came back with from the Socceroos which hasn't helped. We will try to freshen him up this week. We will give him three or four days off now and he can go back to Canberra and see his parents," Arnold said.

"He'll be right, he will be in (next week's squad). We have got a tough game next week in Wellington."

   ___ >>> click here for the match action