Western United are A-League champions after the stunning Melbourne City

Western United claimed their first A-League men’s championship in their third season, stunning Melbourne City 2-0 in the grand final to complete the redemption arc of coach John Aloisy.

United took advantage in the second minute through City defender Nuno Reis’ own goal, the fastest goal scored by an ALM scorer, Alexander Prizovic doubling their lead in front of 22,495 fans at AAMI Park in the 30th minute.

The title that United won from third place marked Aloisy’s first silver medal as a coach and prevented City from becoming the first team to complete a back-to-back Premiership-Championship doubles.

United have gambled on Aloysi, who has not coached since 2018 after a brutal first job at Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Heart.

After the Melbourne victory in 2017-18, they became the second team to win from the top two, excluding Alessandro Diamanti, Renেনে Khrin and Nikolai Topor-Stanley.

Serbian striker Prizovic won the Joe Marston medal as United’s focal point, while central defenders Leo Lacroix and Tomoki Emai blanketed Jamie McLaren.

Connor Payne was also great when Josh Risdon pushed through the initial injury.

In pre-game, United’s active supporters raised “Tiffo has arrived in the West” and it turned out to be predictable in two minutes.

Former City man Ben Garucci whipped into a corner in a nearby post and Prizovic rose to the top to bounce the ball from the head of the race for just one of his own goals.

United held City to just one shot in the first half and doubled their lead at the half-hour mark.

Payne’s shot was blocked by Reyes and the ball rebounded out of Payne’s mouth, taking a touch from Connor Metcalfe and crashing into the path of Prizovich, who finished quietly.

The goal was originally canceled but after a quick review with VAR Chris Griffiths-Jones, referee Chris Beath rewarded it.

Controversy erupted when City’s Carl Jenkinson squared Payne in the 44th minute and Winger was seen headbutting.

Jenkinson was not penalized but was held back at halftime for Scott Galloway.

After the break, City scored the goal for United.

Curtis Good headed in the bar in the 48th minute, Metcalfe headed in the 54th minute and Matthew Leakey came on in the 61st minute.

In the 66th minute, Andrew Nabout smashed a terrific shot into the goal but Jamie Young somehow stopped the incredible instinctive save.

Fifteen minutes later, Young saved a great finger tip, flicked a long-range strike over Galloway’s bar and ensured United’s victory.

© AAP