Melbourne Victory 4-0 Gold Coast United: Thompson Dominates At Etihad

In front of a lively and energised crowd, two of the league's top dogs set out to impress and prove their worth as the best teams in Australia, the Melbourne Victory emerging 4-0 winners over Gold Coast United at Etihad Stadium.

Unfortunately for the travelling supporters, Gold Coast were severely outplayed in all departments as the Victory dominated possession and were more ruthless on goal.

It showed early as a golden opportunity fell for the Victory in the first minute through an Archie Thompson set up which teed up Robbie Kruse, who’s first touch unfortunately let him down in the 18 yard box.

With all the makings of an A-League classic, a fast tempo start saw the players clearly buoyed by the boisterous home crowd at the revamped Etihad Stadium.

In the 9th minute, Jason Culina’s brilliant twisting, turning and dummying down the right hand side set up a cross straight onto Shane Smeltz’s head, who was then unable to convert an otherwise easy opportunity.

The game then settled into a lively, even rhythm with both sides using quick passing and off the ball movement to set up attacks.

Carlos Hernandez was the centre of attention throughout the first half, teeing up the Victory’s attacks and sending in shot after shot against United keeper Scott Higgins.

Archie Thompson should have put the Victory in the lead after a penetrating run by Nick Ward put Thompson through with a one on one opportunity which he should have converted.

Robbie Kruse’s first A-League goal will be one he’ll never forget as his spectacular effort from 25 metres out rocketed into the back of the net.

Two brilliant saves by Scott Higgins in the space of two minutes, thwarted the home side from taking a decisive lead after Nick Ward and Archie Thompson’s shots were unable to bypass him.

As the first half meandered to a close, Melbourne then doubled their advantage through another spectacular long rage shot, courtesy of a Nick Ward drive that just beat Higgins’ outstretched arm.

Melbourne started the livelier of the two sides in the second half as they pressed further and further up the field in search of that killer blow.

It came in the 54th minute, as Archie Thompson capped off a brilliant night out for the home side after a composed through ball from Ward put him through one on one which he then finished pin pointedly past the hapless Higgins.

Melbourne’s home form, while having been under par in recent rounds was finally turned around through their absolute dominance over the Gold Coast.

Credit to the Gold Coast though, they consolidated throughout the second half with a much more organised display yet none of their forays bore much luck as clear cut chances.

In the 68th minute, sublime interplay between Kruse and Ward on the edge of the 18 yard box teed up the oncoming Archie Thompson who delivered a sensational swerving finish to put the home side 4 nil up.

However, instead of being completely demoralised by the occasion the travelling side persevered and started making in roads against the Victory defence.

Yet all in all, Melbourne will sit pretty, five points clear at the top of the A-League table and put forward a performance to remember that keeps the other teams in check.