Sydney FC boss Graham Arnold says the pressure is all on Melbourne Victory in the race for the Premier’s Plate after his side’s thrilling win over the Newcastle Jets at Hunter Stadium.
MATCH REPORT: Newcastle Jets v Sydney FC
The Sky Blues moved level on points with Victory on top of the ladder after they recorded a remarkable 4-3 win over a gallant Jets outfit.
Kevin Muscat’s side can all but secure the trophy when they tackle the Roar in Brisbane tomorrow night, a task Arnold insists would not be easy.
“All we’ve probably done tonight is keep the pressure on Melbourne Victory tomorrow night. It keeps the pressure on them a little bit and it (the win) will probably take it to the last round, “Arnold said.
“At the end of the day they’ve got a very tough game against Brisbane. I think Brisbane showed in the second half the other night what they’ve got.
“Pressure does funny things. When teams don’t have anything to play for they go out and play relaxed and free and Newcastle did that tonight.”
The Sky Blues fell behind in the opening stanza before a quick-fire brace from Alex Brosque and a Bernie Ibini strike had them on course for a comfortable victory.
The Jets pegged the game back to 3-3 with goals to Edson Montano and Andrew Hoole before substitute Robert Stambolziev popped up with the winner with less than 10 minutes remaining.
Arnold admitted he was disappointed with his side’s sluggish opening but praised their ability to change the momentum.
HIGHLIGHTS: Newcastle Jets v Sydney FC
“I wasn’t happy with the first 20 minutes. I truly believe these boys have got the confidence in themselves that they’ve got an extra gear and when they need to go up an extra gear, they do,” he said.
“At the same time when you get to the bigger games and you take the foot off the petal, the concentration side of it is important. The most important thing is the three points and we’re closer and closer to achieving our goals this year.”
