A look at the weekend’s action from the A-League in Australia, which saw Melbourne Victory won the derby.
The Melbourne derby was anything but a close and edgy encounter as the Victory put five goals past their local rivals in a seven goal thriller.
International marquee Besart Berisha was the standout performer in the match as the striker netted a hat-trick to ensure David Villa’s penultimate game for City ended in defeat.
Villa, who has been on loan from New York City – another club owned by English side Manchester City – has cut short his spell in Australia to head back to the States, with some reports citing Villa wish to be with his family who are settling down to life in America.
On the pitch, Victory twice came from behind to join Sydney and Adelaide at the top of the A-League ladder after round 3. Berisha’s hat-trick and a brace from Archie Thompson cancelled out Robbie Wielaert’s opener and Jason Hoffman’s strike to leave City still searching for their first A-League victory of the season.
Goals in either half ensured Sydney FC maintained their unbeaten start to the season as last years title winners Brisbane Roar were brushed aside at Suncorp Stadium.
Two goal of the season contenders were on show as Marc Janko’s stunning 50-yard volley gave the Sky Blues the half-time lead before a Milos Dimitrijevic curled a wonderful effort home to give Sydney the 2-0 win and ensure Brisbane remain pointless after three games.
Newcastle Jets remain on just a solitary point as Wellington Phoenix dominated their encounter at Westpac Stadium.
The Jets, who have played all three of their fixtures away from home, looked tired and weary as the Phoenix recorded their second successive victory with a commanding 4-1 defeat of their visitors.
Nathan Burns first half double gave the home side a commanding lead before Michael McGlinchey made the points secure just past the hour mark.
Despite Joel Griffiths grabbing a 90th minute consolation, Phoenix had the last word as Andrew Durante headed home seconds before the final whistle.
Perth Glory’s unbeaten start to the season came to an end in Adelaide, with the home side worthy 2-0 victors.
Despite playing 120 minutes of midweek FFA Cup action away to Sydney FC, Adelaide were in complete control of this match, with Sergio Cirio and Awer Mabil striking either side of half-time in this one-sided contest.