Melbourne Victory boss Kevin Muscat saluted the resilience and intensity of his side after it went to the top of the A-League table by downing a spirited Adelaide United 3-2 in a thrilling clash at AAMI Park on Friday night.
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Victory had been in a stop-start rhythm a week earlier when it had seen off Brisbane Roar in a rather dour affair at Etihad Stadium, but this was an altogether different performance.
The hosts jumped straight out of the blocks and, courtesy of two own goals, were 2-1 up after 16 minutes and 3-1 ahead after the half-hour mark.
A controversial penalty late in the first half reduced the deficit for the Reds to 3-2 , and while both sides traded plenty of punches in the second period neither could add to their half-time tally.
Muscat believes that he has never seen an A-League team play with such intensity as his Victory side did in the opening half.
"I just thought our first half of football was as intense as this country has seen, pressing, attacking with intent and creating chances.
"The second half they got belief, they got three at the back. We couldn't find the composure we needed to get the fourth to finish and kill the game off. But I have no complaints.
"I can't remember a start with such intensity. We forced them to go a bit long. We were aggressive when they were trying to play out.
"It's an important result. It's our eighth game (without defeat), we have played them twice now. Our performance was good, Everyone took responsibility for their roles and their jobs."
