City took the lead through their new Polish recruit Marcin Budzinski on the brink of half-time before Leroy George equalised 10 minutes after the break. Bruce Kamau scored the winning goal with a deflected chip just after the hour.

The result means back-to-back home losses for Muscat’s men following their 1-0 defeat  to Sydney FC last week.

“Overall the feeling is we should’ve got something tonight and we should’ve got something last week,” Muscat said.

“The biggest thing for me is as a team I know we’re capable of so much more.

“I hate doing it, (but) if you look at everything else apart from the goals and the scoreboard… everything else, you would’ve thought there’d be a different outcome tonight." 

Both teams fired off 16 shots but only two of Victory’s were on target to City’s six.

Muscat added: “There was an abundance of possession (for Victory) and I can’t recall the amount of balls we put into their box with our crosses and opportunities.”

James Donachie was hurt late in the second half, with Muscat only guessing he had done his hip flexor.

Meanwhile goalscorer George is also being closely managed after lasting 70 minutes, the Victory boss expecting him to hit peak fitness in three weeks.

 “It was a good bit of play, the goal was excellent and he took it well,” he said.

“No doubt you can see when he his bright and full of energy - he causes problems.”