The riveting Australia Day clash had everything – end to end action, a penalty apiece and a sending off that reduced Victory to 10.

"It was a great performance from the lads," Carney told Fox Sports after a blockbuster Big Blue.

"We knew they would start on fire. That’s what Kevin Muscat sides are like, they start off with aggression and probably try and win the game in the first 20 minutes.

"We knew they’d come at us.

"I think once the game settled and our pattern or play and our quality players seemed to take over I thought we definitely deserved to win tonight."

Victory have not beaten Sydney FC in two years but after a goalless first half, Besart Berisha opened the scoring for the home side from the penalty spot in the 58th minute.

The lead was short-lived and Bobo equalised two minutes later.

It went from bad to worse for the Big V when defender Jason Geria received a second yellow for bringing the Brazilian down in the box.

The striker stepped up to the spot to fire home his 18th of the season before substitute Carney tucked away Sydney's third of the night.

It was the Sky Blues first win over Victory at AAMI Park and extends their lead at the top of the table to nine points. After two draw in two weeks Carney said the Sky Blues needed to step up.

"It was nice to get a goal but it was an important three points for us with the Jets not too far behind us," he said. "So that puts a bit of margin now.

“We needed to respond . We knew we were playing quite well but not as well as we can. We know we’ve got goals in us and we’ve got quality all over the pitch. So we knew the results would come."