What a game by Sydney FC. The gameplay was some of the best we have seen all year and the atmosphere was electric. Be warned A-League – Sydney FC is back!
Let’s review the players.
Vedran Janjetovitic – Played ok but still lacking the confidence that made him the first choice over Ivan Necevski.
Had a couple of misjudged passes but still pulled some great saves. 7/10
Sebastian Ryall – Has really turned it around. Was last week booed for his performance but this week took ownership of the right back position, which will make it hard for Frank Farina to bench him.
Scored a great ‘opportunist’ goal. – 8/10
Tiago – Came to the rescue with some great tackles last night. Really is coming back into form and growing his partnership with Nikola.
Was a great leader in defence and distributed nicely to our midfielders – 8/10
Nikola Petkovic – Again another outstanding game. Partnered well with Tiago, Has really cemented the position at the back. – 8/10
Marc Warren – The writing has been on the wall for Warren and no more so than now.
Always hangs too far off his player, always gets caught the wrong side of the man and last night’s red card was just another example of his poor judgment. 1/10
Nicky Carle – Learning to play deeper on-field is tough for any natural attacker but Nicky is really adapting well.
Showed some of the skill that has made him a household name but produced some great defence. -9/10
Matt Thompson – The key to any team is the midfield. Call it the engine room.
Thompson was the key to this last night. Was everywhere and showed his experience where it mattered. – 8/10
Brett Emerton – Had a good game. Was finally playing in the position that made him famous and he produced some great runs and plays.
May be still suffering from his back issue but was again a great leader and link for the midfielders – 8/10
Ali Abbas – Work horse. Was everywhere. In midfield was electrifying and then was thrown in at left back and dominated that position.
Was again thrown into attack and linked well with everyone to create chances. 9/10 (man of the match)
Richard Garcia – I have watched every minute of every Sydney FC game this year and was generally not impressed with Garcia.
Last night he made a believer out of myself and the many other disgruntled fans at Allianz.
He showed some of the heart and skill he made his carer on abroad and finished the first goal with composure and class.
Worked hard all evening and link up great with ADP. – 8/10
Alessandro Del Piero – What can we say about the birthday boy? At 39 years young he still displays the skill and composure that made him the world’s best.
His passing was as accurate as ever and his leadership on the field was second to none. Scored the decisive penalty that ultimately won the game. – 9/10
Pedj Bojic – Came back after a couple of weeks and showed why he is one of the A-Leagues best.
Playing at left back, he produced what ended up being the tackle of the season in the dying seconds that showed his skill, timing and composure plus the hunger to win. Welcome back Pedj! – 8/10.
Chris Naumoff – We have a star in the talented 19-year-old.
Product of the Sutherland Sharks, he is tall, quick with skill in both feet. Hope he is absorbing everything he learns from playing with ADP.
Future star. 7/10.
And let’s not forget…
The Cove – Well done lads. I have had the pleasure of marching with you many times and last night’s experience was incredible.
You absolutely lifted the team and from where I was sitting near half way, could feel every word you guys sang.
Sydney is Sky Blue! 10/10
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