Auckland FC coach Steve Corica believes his team have got their mojo back.

After a flat period – with the nadir being the surprise 1-0 loss in Perth last weekend – the Black Knights bounced back superbly on Saturday. It wasn’t just the result – a 3-0 win over league leaders Melbourne City– but the way it was done.

The game was virtually over by halftime, as goals to Guillermo May, Nando Pijnaker and Max Mata gave the home side a commanding lead. But the margin could have been greater – with several other opportunities – while the visitors struggled to land a punch, before a couple of forays at the death. Aside from the first 15 minutes, Auckland were on the front foot, assertive and direct, a pattern which set the tone.

“It was the desire for me,” said Corica. “You could see it from the kick off, winning our challenges, we got two or three players behind the ball all the time. That is the team we are, we have to compete. It’s a great response, [so] very pleased for our players.”

Auckland were under some pressure heading into Saturday’s match. Not only after a run of five points from their previous five matches – with just one win – but also because this was the start of an imposing three-game stretch, with away fixtures against Adelaide United and the Western Sydney Wanderers over the next eight days.

“That [result] was so important for us,” said Corica. “We came through with flying colours.”

The coach agreed it was probably the best performance of the season. Auckland were clinical and effective in the final third and efficient and disciplined defensively. Melbourne have been dealing with a considerable injury toll and some of their youngsters seemed to hit the wall on Saturday, after impressing previously – but they were also given no time and space.

Auckland had standouts across the park, though the win was built on tireless performances from Louis Verstraete and Felipe Gallegos in midfield, backed up by the defensive quartet. In the absence of Jake Brimmer (hamstring), Corica also used two strikers, with Max Mata getting his first start alongside May.

Mata showed his mettle. After missing a gilt-edged chance last Saturday as a second-half substitute, the New Zealander made the most of this chance, with two first-half headers that drew good saves, before forcing home from close range after Melbourne City failed to clear a corner just before the interval.

“He did really well,” said Corica. “I liked what I saw from him and Guillermo when he came on second half last week and that is one of reasons that we brought him in.”

Mata has had to be patient. Before Saturday he had made eight substitute appearances – more than anyone else in the squad – but with a total of only 100 minutes across the season. In that context, failing to take the chance in Perth would have hurt but he was quick to move on.

“It’s in the past,” said Mata. “You’ve just got to look forward to the next opportunity and keep a clear head. It’s part of the game, especially for a striker, you are not going to score every goal but you will score, just have to get into the right positions and keep a cool head.”

After Melbourne goalkeeper Patrick Beach had palmed away an earlier effort, Mata thought he had scored after being picked out by a brilliant Francis de Vries cross late in the first half.

“I made good contact, good run,” said Mata. “I thought it was a goal then I looked across and the keeper had made a great save.”

But the 24-year-old had his moment less than a minute later, reacting quickest after the resultant corner – from de Vries – wasn’t cleared.

“The ball was bouncing around,” said Mata. “It fell into my path.”

The tandem attack worked well, with May sometimes dropping into a deeper role. The duo caused plenty of problems for Melbourne City and give Corica another option.

“We play well with each other,” said Mata of May. “We are very different players so that is why it works, he is a great footballer and easy to link up with.”

After waiting so long, Mata admitted there was plenty of excitement ahead of the match, but he was determined to keep a “clear head” and enjoy the occasion. The performance, along with breaking his duck, will add to the confidence but Mata takes a team-first approach.

“We have lots of good players,” said Mata. “So [there are] always good players missing out, which is a big part of a winning team. [We] keep the competition high, everyone’s hungry and we all want to win.”

Corica also had the luxury of rotating players in the second half, with one eye on the impending schedule. He said Brimmer could be back for Wednesday’s clash in Adelaide, otherwise he should be fit for the Wanderers clash (Sunday), with captain Hiroki Sakai (concussion) with a similar timeframe.

“He should be available for Adelaide, if not Wanderers,” said Corica.