Melbourne Victory coach Ange Postecoglou had three simple words for substitute Andrew Nabbout before throwing him into the fray against Sydney FC: ‘Make an impact’.
Melbourne Victory coach Ange Postecoglou had three simple words for substitute Andrew Nabbout before throwing him into the fray against Sydney FC: ‘Make an impact’.
Rarely have a coach’s orders been carried out with such ruthless efficiency: Nabbout netted twice in 13 minutes as Victory overcame a two-goal deficit to down Sydney 3-2 in a thriller at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night.
His first was an absolute screamer from outside the box, a thundering effort that nearly tore a hole in the back of Ivan Necevski’s net.
His second was a powerful injury-time header that delivered the visitors all three points to complete a stunning resurrection.
“I did my best. That’s what Ange has been telling me all week, to make an impact when I come on,” a modest Nabbout said after the game.
“Luck went my way and credit to everyone in the team for sticking out the whole 90 minutes.
“We got a result and got what we deserved.”
Postecoglou initially feigned ignorance when asked about Nabbout’s background.
But after using the 19-year-old in sporadic bursts over the opening rounds, the Victory boss admitted he knew what a rare talent he was all along.
“Nah, don’t know anything about him. He just rolled up one day,” Postecoglou started.
“He’s a good kid and he’s been working hard.
“He hasn’t really been full-time with us yet – he’s just finishing off (uni) exams – but he’s got a good head on his shoulders and wants to learn.
“It’s about giving guys like Andrew an opportunity.
“He did really well. He got the rewards for doing the right things and being disciplined.”
Victory may have had to wait until the 91st minute to clinch their first win in Sydney in five years, but there was nothing flukey or fortuitous about it.
Even at two goals down Melbourne kept coming at the Sky Blues after dominating possession all night.
When the goals came, they did so in a hurry: three in 12 minutes.
“I thought we created a number of opportunities but (it looked like being) one of those games when we just couldn’t get the ball in the back of the net,” Postecoglou said.
“But that’s the team we want to be (attack minded). I don’t want us to settle for anything (less).
“We work hard on that philosophy and I don’t think it’s a coincidence that teams that have that belief tend to win games late.”
