Melbourne City enter A-League's top five

Melbourne City boss Warren Joyce might have silenced his critics with a stirring 3-0 defeat of Newcastle Jets, but he's yet to solve his issue with sidelined star striker Bruno Fornaroli.

The experienced coach knows the win on Sunday, featuring goals from young Australian hopes Stefan Mauk and Lachlan Wales and stalwart Luke Brattan, buys him time to solve his impasse with his Uruguayan forward.

The result was a stinging riposte to those - including the club's official supporter group - who questioned his axing of Fornaroli for letting his training standards slide.

The 31-year-old watched his teammates do the job without him from the AAMI Park stands.

The Fornaroli, City's all-time leading scorer and marquee striker, hasn't spoken publicly in the two weeks since his sidelining.

But Joyce maintains there is a pathway back to the squad for 'El Tuna'.

"It's the same as what I said during the week. He's a player at Melbourne City (and available)," Joyce said.

"You come in Monday morning and everybody's got to be flat out again. No complacency."

"All the players including Bruno have got the same demands."

Jets coach Ernie Merrick, the league's most experienced manager, said Joyce deserved to be cut some slack as the truth was still uncertain.

"It seems to be a ridiculous situation," he said.

"The coach has been most successful here, is two points off second spot (and) is under pressure.

"I don't know the goings on ... but sometimes the coaches would like to tell the real story.

"Warren I thought handled it very well. He had his team up and playing."

Joyce was particularly keen to spruik the ability of one of his team, who just happened to be Fornaroli's replacement, Wales.

The 21-year-old scored his first professional goal as City wrapped up the points, continuing his progression.

"He's been a breath of fresh air since he's come to the football club," Joyce said.

"It's a way of life for him not a job. He's intelligent ... he's (got) no ego.

"He just comes in every day, looking like a surfer, and we've challenged him to dress like a footballer.

"He's got desire, intelligence and commitment to drive himself and have a successful career."

The result moves City into the A-League's top five with that group enjoying a four point buffer over the chasing pack.

Leaders Perth Glory held on at the top despite a stumble in Wellington, where Tony Popovic's side needed a controversial red card to come away with a 1-1 draw.

Behind them is Melbourne Victory, who thrashed Western Sydney 4-0 on Saturday.

Third placed Sydney FC came from behind to beat Central Coast 2-1 also on Saturday, while fourth-placed Adelaide United held on to secure a 2-1 win over Brisbane on Friday night.