Craig Noone says Patrick Kisnorbo’s incredibly high demands have ensured there’s no room for complacency in a Melbourne City side on a six-game A-League winning streak.
The City boss oversaw his side’s record-breaking sixth win on the bounce in a 4-1 victory over top-four contenders Western Sydney Wanderers at AAMI Park on Friday night.
Noone scored twice and assisted another in a best-on-ground display as City moved to within one point of Central Coast Mariners at the top of the A-League table.
MATCH REPORT: Melbourne City 4-1 Western Sydney Wanderers
READ: Saturday Football Preview: A-League – March 27
Speaking to FOX Sports post-match, Noone described the effect Kisnorbo’s intensity is having on the City playing group, as the league’s in-form side refuse to feel satisfied on a winning run which has garnered 20 goals for and just three against.
“He’s on us constantly,” Noone said.
“His demands are very high, and he demands that from us and we demand it from ourselves as well and I think it’s shown tonight.
“I think it’s important, he doesn’t let us off, and I think his staff are the same.”
Noone continued: “I was delighted to chip in with the goals and the assist, but three points and six-straight wins is most important.
I think that’s the belief… we’re working hard in training, and you see it in the performances there from what we do in training day in, day out.
We’ve got a really good togetherness in the squad of players and the staff as well, and it’s all going well at the moment.”
NEWS: Brisbane Roar FC v Western United FC match postponed
FEATURE: How rivals are uniting to help Stott fight to beat Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6244394581001
City’s sixth win on the bounce ensured Kisnorbo’s side eclipsed the club’s five-game winning record twice achieved in the A-League in both the 2011/12 and 2013/14 campaigns.
Kisnorbo was lining up in the starting lineup when City – then known as Melbourne Heart – last equalled the record in 2014. But the 40-year-old refused to give himself or his side a pat on the back in the wake of the unprecedented victory.
“It’s fish and chip paper to be honest,” Kisnorbo said as he revealed what he thought of the headlines being written by his surging City side.
“Records are there to be broken.
“I think the main thing was I’m happy with the performance and three points tonight.
“I think first half they dealt with us really well, they made it hard for us to move the ball and their block was really good. I just said a few things I needed to say in terms of to shuffle the block, and just keep following the process.”
READ: Deans expects Jets to relish the challenge of quelling dangerous Perth attack
MORE: ‘We know we’re going to score in every game’ – Mauk says Reds cannot be stopped
Wanderers boss Carl Robinson will now look to regroup and analyse his side’s comprehensive defeat, after a three-game winning streak of their own came to an abrupt end on Friday night.
Robinson had a simple take on the 4-1 defeat, crediting City for their all-round dominance in a comprehensive performance.
“I think in every aspect of the game they were better than us,” Robinson said.
“We made wrong decisions, obviously we gave them the platform to build as well.
“Even though we went ahead, we were not in control of the game, and probably it was a fair result.
“Tonight we weren’t at the races, they were better than us all over the pitch.
“Sometimes you have to accept it, but remain humble when you win and remain humble when you lose, that’s the motto I’ll instil at this football club.
“We just made errors at key times, even though we went ahead in the game today.
“But we went away from doing what we’re good at. We’ll reset and we’ll get back to it next week.”
Next Matches
Western United v Melbourne City
Thursday, April 1 2021
AAMI Park
Kick-off: 5.35pm AEDT
Match Centre
Brisbane Roar v Western Sydney Wanderers
Saturday, April 3 2021
Moreton Daily Stadium
Kick-off: 7.05pm AEDT
Match Centre
