A furious Kevin Muscat is taking no comfort from Melbourne Victory’s spirited fightback against Perth Glory at nib Stadium on Saturday night.
Led by star striker Besart Berisha, Victory restored a 2-0 deficit before conceding a late penalty that brought an end to the club’s five-game unbeaten run.
MATCH REPORT: Glory ground out win against 10-man Victory
The 3-2 defeat in Perth was further soured by the second-half dismissal of winger Fahid Ben Khalfallah for kicking Glory defender Shane Lowry.
Berisha scored one of his two goals after the 56th minute incident and Victory looked the dominant side on the pitch until Glory winger Diego Castro netted a penalty to seal an upset win for the home side.
Muscat said the brave showing from his players to fight back from two goals down with only 10 men on the pitch meant nothing given the final result.
“It depends on what perspective you take because (I ask) why have we got ourselves in that situation to begin with,” the Victory coach said.
“Yes, we worked hard and got ourselves back into the game, but then to gift that (last) goal when…there only looked as if there would be one winner, even with 10 men.
“It’s very, very disappointing and frustrating, not only for myself, but everyone through (the club) because a few of our decisions cost us dearly. We looked like we were going to go on and win the game.
“We were the team trying to create and be productive in that final third, but it just wasn’t to be and it’s a terrible night for us.”
Muscat expressed his disappointment at Ben Khalfallah for being sent off at such a crucial stage of the match.
“Fahid’s got to take some responsibility because in that second half we were well on top and there only looked like there was going to be one winner,” Muscat said.
“We shouldn’t be putting the assistant referee (standing) 70 yards away in a position where he can make the decision that he’s done.”
