Kevin Muscat praised Melbourne Victory's 2-0 win over Perth Glory, highlighting how attacking teams often don't earn credit for defensive discipline.
Victory's shock win in front of a packed HBF Park delayed Perth's Premiership celebrations, with Sydney FC now six points below the table-toppers, Victory one point behind Sydney in third.
While Ola Toivonen stole the headlines with a sensational free-kick to mark the 5000th goal in A-League history, Muscat was keen to praise the organisation of his team.
"They've had a fantastic year, creating and scoring a lot of goals," Muscat said.
"We forced them wide and yes they had shots from range and put attackers on but we coped accordingly. It's set up nicely for a run in, the team that's wanting to attack and press high never gets labelled as organised or disciplined.
"It might be one of the first times we get described as disciplined."
Muscat also revealed the key to their victory over a Glory outfit that had only conceded 20 goals in 22 matches leading into their contest.
"We knew we would have to earn anything we got from here," he said.
"We were good value for our three points, I think all three games (between us this season) have been fairly even. The huge difference tonight was scoring first, if they score first it suits the way they play and they're very good at suffocating.
"We knew where we were as a team, we've been working very hard and adjusted accordingly. The players delivered very well tonight.
"I'm just delighted with the result."
Related Articles

Popovic out to break duck in Victory's ALM decider
.jpeg&h=172&w=306&c=1&s=1)
Melbourne City take premiership after Sydney FC blow it
