The Perth Glory have got off the mark with their first win of the season, coming in the form of a three goal drubbing over Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park.
It was a physical contest from the outset, with both sides wanting to assert themselves on the contest. Glory defender Kosuke Ota received a yellow card in the 15th for his challenge on Marco Rojas. Bruno Fornaroli would be the Glory’s second player to end up in the books for his foul on Stefan Nigro in stoppage time, with even Glory assistant coach Steven McGarry being sent to the tunnels.
The Victory would also have their undisciplined moments, midfielder Rai Marchán caught Jonathan Aspropotamitis with a high boot on the stroke of half time, and saw his yellow card upgraded to a red following a VAR review, giving the Glory a man advantage.
After a scoreless first half, Fornaroli had the biggest chances to score the opener. He headed wide in the 54th minute before coming close with a freekick, forcing Kelava to come up with a crucial save.
The Victory’s biggest chance of the game come in the 64th minute through Jake Brimmer, with his freekick just going over the crossbar, before the Glory would respond with a long shot of their own, and would come up trumps.
Antonee Burke-Gilroy left footed shot outside of the box would curl past post, putting the away side 1-0 up in the 66th minute with one goals of the opening three rounds.
He’d then be influential in setting up the Glory’s second, putting a clever cross into the box for Ciaran Bramwell to head in from close range in the 74th minute.
Bruno Fornaroli who’d threatened throughout the game would finally find the net in the 88th minute, with his shot from outside the box sealing the game for the Glory.
Deep into stoppage time, the Victory were awarded a penalty when Jason Davidson was brought down in the box, VAR would overrule the decision, with Glory holding on for a convincing 3-0 victory and with a clean sheet.
Key Takeaways:
HAMILL AND MARCHAN HAVE THEIR DAYS ENDED EARLY
Melbourne Victory have suffered their first injury casualty of the season, with defender Brendan Hamill subbed off in the 13th minute with an injury.
hHe wouldn’t be the only Victory player who’s day was over before half time.
Spaniard Rai Marchán was sent for an early shower on the stroke of half time for his hard foul on Glory’s Jonathan Aspropotamitis.
Having orginally just received a yellow card, the decision would go to VAR, and with further consultation, referee Kurt Ams would upgrade his booking to a red card offence.
FIERY CONTEST
With both sides coming in desperate to take all three points, the Glory and the Victory would both demonstrate their physicality.
Glory defender Ota receiving a yellow card for his challenge on Rojas inside the opening 10 minutes. It would set the tone for a firey contest which got heated on the verge of halftime.
Rai Marchán received a red card for a high boot on Jonathan Aspropotamitis, then a minute later Fornaroli would receive a yellow card, and assistant coach Steven McGarry would recieve two yellow cards for heated exchange with officials.
BURKE-GILROY WITH A SCREAMER
Glory midfielder Antonee Burke-Gilroy opened his account with his first career A-League Men’s goal with a stunning strike.
Following a tight and heated opening hour, the game needed to break open and Burke-Gilroy did just that. Set up by Jack Clisby, Burke-Gilroy would try his luck from outside of the box and would find the top left corner to score the opening goal of the game.
He’d also play a part in the Glory’s second goal, setting up Ciaran Bramwell.
FINAL SCORE:
A-League Men Round Three, AAMI Park
Melbourne Victory: 0
Perth Glory: 3 (Burke-Gilroy 66m), (Ciaran Bramwell 74m, Bruno Fornaroli 88m)
HOW DID THE MANAGERS REACT?
Melbourne Victory: Tony Popovic
“It was one of those days, Hamill went down early so we had to adjust the line up and then obviously the red card before half time is a huge turning point”
“I thought we started the second half very well with 10 men…so I’m pleased with how we played with 10 men, very positive”
Perth Glory: Richard Garcia
“Very very pleased [with the result], got a group of guys who are going through an impossible situation”
“And tonight [they] showed their togetherness their selflessness…it’s great to see”
Image Source: A-League Men
