Bullish Macarthur snap winless streak

Macarthur have leaped into third place on the A-League ladder with a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park.

The Bulls turned around an early deficit after Elvis Kamsoba gave the Victory the lead, before Markel Susaeta pulled back an equaliser before half-time.

James Meredith’s second-half header was enough to separate the sides and, in turn, snap Macarthur’s five-game run without a win.

While being much-improved under caretaker boss Steve Kean, Victory were unable to build on their early lead and were ultimately wasteful in front of goal.

Despite Macarthur having the lion’s share of possession from the off, they ultimately found themselves behind inside the opening half-hour.

Kamsoba got on the end of a clever-flick from Rudy Gestede in an acre of space, before charging in on goal and slamming home Victory’s opener.

Melbourne’s lead was short-lived as Benat Etxebarria dispossessed Jake Brimmer and played through Susaeta – whose deflected effort rocketed past Matt Acton.

Victory very well could’ve been ahead at the break as both Kamsoba and Brimmer came close, in particular the latter, whose free-kick rocketed off the bar.

Following the break, Jake McGing had the ball in the net to give the Bulls the lead but due to a handball from James Meredith, the defender’s first goal for the club was rubbed out by VAR.

However, Macarthur wouldn’t be denied again as Meredith nodded home Benat’s cross to give the Bulls the lead.

Steve Kean’s side almost stole a point late as Gestede attempted to slide the ball past Federici but his effort was denied by his out-stretched hand.

Milicic’s men got the job done. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)Source:Getty Images

BENAT DAZZLES

When Macarthur needed a spark, it was Benat Etxebarria who stood up and took the proverbial bull by the horns.

The seasoned midfielder was a tenacious presence, helping wrestle back control for the Bulls upon his side falling behind on the scoreboard.

Capping off his performance were his two assists, the first a well-timed through-ball to his Basque compatriot Markel Susaeta and an inch-perfect corner for James Meredith to nod home.

ELVIS IMPRESSES

Elvis Kamsoba will be hoping that next season he won’t be ‘leaving the building’ – and the out of contract winger responded in style.

Interim Victory boss Steve Kean put his players on notice, saying they’re playing for their futures at the club before Tony Popovic takes over next season and Kamsoba responded with one of his best performances of the season.

The winger’s pace and trickery caused Jake McGing headaches down the left flank and took his finish well – an area of his game he has struggled with throughout his time at the Victory.

MILLIGAN CHEEKY SLEDGE

The spicy action on the field was matched off it as former Championship winning Victory captain Mark Milligan had a bit to say to Rudy Gestede at the break.

Milligan was caught calling Rudy Gestede “the worst striker to ever play for Melbourne Victory” unknowingly being caught by the Fox Sports microphones before his half-time interview.

Gestede caused issues within the Bulls penalty area throughout the game but was unable to build on his three-goals for the season.

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