Victory sweeps Phoenix aside to go top in the A-League

Melbourne Victory jumped to the top of the A-League with an impressive 3-0 triumph over Wellington Phoenix in a highly entertaining encounter in New Zealand on Sunday.

Melbourne Victory's Gul Finkler (C) celebrates scoring the opener in Wellington with team-mates. (AAP) Source: SNPA

An early strike from Gui Finkler set the tone for the contest that was filled with genuine scoring chances.

Melbourne proved the more clinical in front of goal however as an Andrew Durante own goal and a poacher's effort from Archie Thompson clinched a 3-0 win.

It took less than a minute for Victory to shock the home fans. Besart Berisha squared it to Finkler on the edge of the area and the Brazilian steadied himself before firing past Glen Moss to give the visitor a 1-0 lead after 35 seconds.

The opening quarter hour was filled with free-flowing attacking football as both sides created good openings, yet neither was able to convert.

Wellington suffered a major blow just before the half hour with Joel Griffiths being stretchered off the field with what appeared a serious knee injury.

Melbourne had an excellent opportunity to extend its lead before the break as Berisha was played into the clear by Mark Milligan. The Albanian's shot was well saved at close range by Moss.

Phoenix made a blistering start to the second half. Kenny Cunningham picked up up the ball just inside the area and glided past his opponent with a spectacular flick.

From a tight angle, his shot across the face of goal was saved by an outstretched Nathan Coe and the visitor's defence scrambled clear.

Victory was forced into a change of its own approaching the hour as Nathan Coe succumbed to injury and was replaced by Lawrence Thomas.

It had little effect on Melbourne's attack as it doubled its advantage just seconds later.

Berisha was played through and the striker attempted to pull the ball back for Finkler just inside the area. Phoenix captain Durante stuck out a boot to intercept but only managed to steer the ball into his own net to make it 2-0 for Victory.

The points were made safe on 64 minutes when Archie Thompson was perfectly placed to poke in a loose ball from close range after Fahid Ben Khalfallah volleyed on the edge of the box from a corner.

Phoenix continued to battle on, but it didn't seem to be its day when a Nathan Burns shot from near the penalty spot was partially saved by Thomas and then cleared off the line by Daniel Georgievski.

The 3-0 win elevates Victory to the top of the A-League, one point ahead of Adelaide United with Wellington down to third, two points behind the new leader. 

Coach Kevin Muscat insisted Melbourne's 13th win of the season was built on a full team performance over 90 minutes.

"It was satisfying - a very good performance from start to finish," he said.

"On the night, collectively to a man, everyone performed close to their best and when we do hit those sort of heights we're difficult to deal with."

Melbourne dominated possession and its efficacy in attack matched by an equally tenacious defence kept Phoenix under constant pressure.

Muscat admitted the most pleasing aspect of the game was his team's unaccustomed patience.

"It was a different performance from us tonight because we had to be a lot more patient than we usually are - moving the ball, coming out of our back third and being patient in waiting for that opportunity."

It was the Phoenix's second consecutive 3-0 loss, repeating last week's defeat against Sydney FC.

 

Wellington coach Ernie Merrick conceded that Melbourne was the better team, with its experience as the finals approach a major factor.

"The difference between the two teams was experience against inexperience," he said.

"Under pressure and with high expectation, they still perform. They win the ball, they keep possession and they're clinical in their finishing.

"That's the difference between the two teams - inexperience and experience, and coping with pressure."