Melbourne City’s late-season revival continued with a 2-0 win over Wellington Phoenix on Sunday at AAMI Park.
In genuine danger of missing the top-six a month ago, the reigning A-League champions are now unbeaten in their past five games, with the run including three successive wins.
While City is not yet guaranteed to play finals football, should the Aurelio Vidmar-coached team qualify for next month’s playoffs, other sides should be concerned.
And in further good news for City, stalwart Mathew Leckie on Sunday made his long-awaited return from hip surgery.
The 35-year-old Socceroos great came on as an 83rd-minute substitute to make his first A-League appearance since October last year.
“He (Leckie) has left no stone unturned – that’s for sure,” City captain Aziz Behich told Paramount Plus.
“He’s the first at the club and last to leave. I’m really happy to see him come on and have him back in the squad.”
Earlier, with the aid of a significant deflection, Behich had given City the lead in the 27th minute.
Fed by fellow defender Nathaniel Atkinson, Socceroo Behich cut back inside before taking a shot that found its way past Wellington goalkeeper Josh Oluwayemi after it deflected off Phoenix centre-back Isaac Hughes.
The visitors had a chance to equalise soon after but Corban Piper’s shot flew wide of the post.
Former City attacking midfielder Ramy Najjarine also had an opportunity to put Wellington back on level terms in the 61st minute, but his angled strike hit the side-netting.
Returning City star Marcus Younis, who missed his team’s 2-1 midweek home win over Central Coast through suspension, had a chance to double the hosts’ lead in the 67th minute.
However, after expertly controlling a cross on his chest and bringing the ball down on to his right foot, Younis’ shot flew across Wellington’s goalmouth without finding the back of the net.
But Younis was able to hit the target less than 10 minutes later to seal City’s win.
Making the most of a well-timed pass from impressive Austrian midfielder Andreas Kuen, Younis scored his fourth goal for City since joining the club on loan from Danish outfit Brondby in January.
“The position we had put ourselves in wasn’t good enough,” Behich said in reflecting on City’s form before the club’s unbeaten run.
“We knew that as a playing group, and it’s another three points. There are a few big games to go, but we’re really happy with the form we’re in at the moment.”
