Defence fails Victory

Popovic flags need to lift after 4-3 loss on eve of finals

Melbourne Victory coach Tony Popovic admitted his team will have to improve defensively when the ALeague finals start next weekend after letting through four goals against Western Sydney on Saturday night at AAMI Park.

Victory saved their worst defensive performance of the regular season for their last game and while Popovic wasn’t prepared to say that “alarm bells” were ringing for his team, he was adamant that they had to tighten up at the back. “If I think about the recent games, we defended well in Wellington, excellent defensively against Brisbane with 10 men,” Popovic said after Victory’s 4-3 loss to the Wanderers.

“We’ve got to bring that defensive display that we’ve shown consistently throughout the year and bring that creativity and that movement in the front third that we had.

“Unfortunately, defensively, it wasn’t a good day for us ... we have to address it.”

Star forward Daniel Arzani hit top form at the right time, scoring his maiden A-League brace against Western Sydney, which also served as his first goals in over three months.

Popovic hoped that the 25year-old would prove to be an important figure for Victory’s quest for the title.

“That should give him a lot of confidence because I can’t remember the last time he scored with his left foot,” Popovic said.

“Credit to him. He’s been working really hard with the coaching staff ... they’ve been really working hard on improving his left foot.

“Hopefully he can replicate and, in some areas, do even better next week.”

Club stalwart Leigh Broxham announced his retirement last week and after coming on in the second half against the Wanderers to a rousing reception, Popovic didn’t discount the possibility of him featuring in the finals as well.

“He’s in contention,” Popovic said.

“Certainly before the game I told him, ‘This isn’t necessarily your last game’. But it is for the season the last match and it was wonderful what the club put on for ‘Broxy’ and he deserves all the accolades and all the praise and all the well wishes that everyone’s given him over the years.

“We want to still give him another big memory this season as well.”

Popovic was hopeful of learning of Jason Geria’s availability for the elimination final early in the week.

The defender was suspended for two matches after being red-carded against Brisbane last game.

But Victory are appealing the length of the ban.