Sydney FC boss Graham Arnold says a selfless ‘team-first’ attitude empowered the Sky Blues in their rousing comeback win over Melbourne Victory on Saturday night.
Trailing 1-0 at the break and without a win against Victory in nine matches, Sydney recovered through a matchwinning two-goal turn from David Carney to cement their place as early-season favourites.
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“It just shows you the great team spirit we’ve got,” Arnold told Fox Sports.
“I’m having to disappoint players (and) leave them on the bench but they’re thinking of the team first. When Carney came on he was outstanding.
“I tried to give our boys a really relaxed week this week and not go over the top with tactics.
“We haven’t had a great record against Melbourne Victory since I’ve been at Sydney FC. The players knew how important the game was.”
Sydney were fortunate to only trail by a single goal at the break but produced a far more positive second half to make it five straight wins for the season.
“I just said to the boys at half-time ‘I want us to play our way’,” Arnold said.
“That’s keeping the ball, moving them sideways, being patient and if you do that then the opportunities will come.
“It’s good to get the win.”
