Melbourne Victory midfielder Leigh Broxham was brutally honest when assessing his side’s capitulation against Western United last Saturday.
Leading 2-0 after seven minutes Victory went on to concede three unanswered goals to their new cross-town rivals, losing their second game of the season and tumbling out of the top six.
It was the first time in club history that four-time Champions Victory had lost a Hyundai A-League match after establishing a 2-0 score line.
“It was a tough one to go two nil up and then lose the game – that hasn’t happened before for us,” he said.
“It hasn’t been easy in review. The first few days after the match we’ve been feeling down about it, but that’s what happens and it’s a long season.
HOW TO WATCH: Hyundai A-League Round 5 – Remembrance Round
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6099956884001
“We’ve got a game where we can send a good message and have a big reaction.
“We need to accept what has happened, accept that it wasn’t good enough, and get back up because we have another game that we can send a message in.”
Victory are looking to bounce back against Wellington Phoenix at AAMI Park this Sunday afternoon.
Read on as we round up the best of the pressers across the Hyundai A-League.
Kilkenny bites back at Perth critics
Perth Glory romped to the Premiership last season, but the start made by Tony Popovic’s side this campaign has been comparatively indifferent.
The Premiers are currently fifth on the ladder after two draws, a win and a shock defeat to Central Coast Mariners last Sunday which has resulted in accusations of inconsistency.
For Glory midfielder Neil Kilkenny, it is a question he and his teammates are tired of hearing.
“Everyone keeps talking about that [inconsistency], we don’t want to talk about that,” Kilkenny said.
“We knew we weren’t at our best, especially in the first half against Central Coast.
“In every game we’ve definitely dominated a half.
“We’ve just got to consistently try and do that and make the minutes longer than maybe 45 minutes, to 60 minutes, to 80 then obviously to 90.
“That’s what we’ll be looking to do, and I’m sure the more that we play together the more the chemistry will get better.”
Perth visit Newcastle Jets this Saturday afternoon.
Wanderers ‘don’t want to lose’ anymore says Babbel
Markus Babbel went through some tough times in his first season as Western Sydney Wanderers boss.
But the second-placed Wanderers have demonstrated they are made of sterner stuff this season. It is a shift the former Liverpool and Bayern Munich man is thrilled to see take place.
“What I like about this team because this is a team now that don’t want to lose,” Babbel said.
“Last year it was different.
“Now it is a great sign for me to see the guys they always want to get a result and even if we are not playing this well, if you don’t play well you don’t have to lose.
“They are fighting for the result and, of course, there’s a bit of luck on our side but also we can improve.
“We can play a better style of football because we have the quality in our team and if we can bring it on the pitch everything is possible.”
Babbel will look to continue his side’s unbeaten run as the Wanderers travel to face Western United at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday night.
MATCH PREVIEW: Western United FC v Western Sydney Wanderers
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https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6100912856001
Jakobsen – I’ve kept my Remembrance Round jerseys
Remembrance Round is a special occasion for Adelaide United captain Michael Jakobsen.
Taking place annually in the Hyundai A-League, this weekend is an opportunity to pay respects to servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“I don’t remember (having) a day like this where we honour people who save served the country,” Jakobsen said.
“I’ve actually kept my shirts every time we play these rounds because it’s special.
“You honour the people who have served the country and that’s special, I think it’s special for all the boys playing in these rounds.”
REVEALED: Reds, Roar kits for Remembrance Round
PREVIEW: Adelaide United v Brisbane Roar
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Our Remembrance Jersey for 2019.#RemembranceRound #WeWillRememberThem #AUFC #MoreThanFootball pic.twitter.com/FY9XFtuySe
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) November 8, 2019
