Melbourne City Women’s Head Coach Patrick Kisnorbo has hailed his team’s belief following their comprehensive 3-0 win over Perth Glory at City Football Academy on Sunday.
Goals to Ashley Hatch, Tyla-Jay Vlajnic and Yukari Kinga in the first-half secured all three points for City, who leapfrog the Glory into fourth place on 16 points – three points ahead of their Western Australian opponents.
Following the match, Kisnorbo praised his team’s defence and their ability to nullify Perth’s attack.
“We had a great first half and created a lot of chances, but I thought our back four was fantastic today,” Kisnorbo said.
“The way we defended as a team really set the tempo of the first half – we also got some early goals which were very well worked goals.
“Even last week when we scored in the 90th minute [against Western Sydney Wanderers]; it’s the belief and desire to get that winner. The team showed that again today,” he added.
“I think our press was really good. We didn’t allow them to play out from the back; our front three worked tirelessly all game, our midfield closed the spaces and made it hard for them to get the balls in-between and our back four was fantastic.”
Jodie Taylor made her second appearance for City as a second-half substitute, replacing Tyla-Jay Vlajnic in the 54th minute.
Speaking on the English international, the manager commended the acquisition of the star forward.
“Jodie’s been fantastic, it feels like we’ve had her all year,” Kisnorbo said.
“She could have scored a couple today but she gives us another great option up front, she’s a great character and brings a wealth of experience to the team.
“We’re grateful to have her in the squad,” he added.
City’s game against Perth was originally scheduled for Saturday, 6 January at AAMI Park, but due to extreme heat the fixture was rescheduled to Sunday and the venue was changed to CFA Melbourne.
Following the fixture, Kisnorbo highlighted the professionalism of the City Football Group.
“We’re very fortunate to have facilities like this here,” he said.
“We treat all of our teams here – the Men’s, Women’s and Youth teams – like elite athletes.
“We provide the best facilities for the girls and give them the best possible opportunity to improve as players. We want to create something very big here and you could see that today.
“The team played the pitch and conditions really well today and they deserved the three points.”
City next face cross-town rivals Melbourne Victory in a blockbuster Melbourne Derby on Sunday 14 January at Epping Stadium, kick-off 4:30pm.
