Three conclusions as Roar stun Victory away from home

Brisbane Roar has stunned Melbourne Victory away from home with an excellent second-half display, picking up their first win of the new season.

Here are our three key conclusions from the Roar's 3-1 win.

VAR continuing to work wonders

Say what you want about VAR, but so far A-League officials are nailing the review system this season.

VAR made brilliant calls to overturn a penalty in the Western Sydney Derby on Wednesday and rule a goal offside against the Wellington Phoenix earlier.

It made yet another correct decision when Brisbane was rightfully awarded the opening goal tonight.

It looked as if Scott McDonald was offside on first viewing when he turned in Dylan Wenzell-Halls' strike.

But after a quick consultation with VAR, McDonald was onside, and the Roar took the lead.

What is also very impressive is the speed at which these decisions are being made.

Long may it continue.

Roar pick up where they left off defensively

Brisbane had the second-best defence in the competition last season.

Tonight, they continued to show how strong their foundations are.

Both Ben Folami and Rudy Gestede struggled to get any change out of Tom Aldred or Macaulay Gillesphey.

Meanwhile, Jack Hingert did a fine job on Marco Rojas.

Warren Moon did a great job in making sure his players nullified Callum McManaman after halftime.

This foundation then allows their attacking players to pick their moments when they come.

Both Gillesphey and Wenzell-Halls did this after halftime to put Brisbane in a commanding position.

If they continue to show this defensive solidity, then the main problem will be scoring the number of goals necessary.

Tonight was very close to the perfect away performance, against a side that was eager to set the record straight after a dismal campaign last time out.

Very impressive indeed.

Jekyll & Hyde Victory

The scoreline tonight seemed to suggest a very one-sided game that the Roar dominated.

However, Victory played better in the first half, and they handed three points on a plate to Brisbane tonight.

The intensity, hunger and concentration levels completely dropped after the break.

That issue has plagued this team since the start of last season.

They have dominant periods that they don't make the most of, and then concede stupid goals at the other end.

The quality they have on paper is good enough, but mentally things have to change; otherwise, it will be another year without finals.

Grant Brebner must stop the trend of these bipolar performances and get Victory back to the days where this would have been a routine home win.