Sydney FC have backed up their performance from the big blue to comfortably beat a disastrous Melbourne Heart 2-0 at AAMI Park.
It was a game that both coaches had to win. Frank Farina knew a loss would only amount in more pressure on his back. Unfortunately for John Aloisi, the spotlight is now on him.
Melbourne Heart over the last few rounds have demonstrated some great pressure in some displays pushing the likes of the Wanderers and Roar all the way with high pressing and great passing – all that was lacking was some goals and some luck.
In Friday night’s game, Sydney FC started the match knowing what the Heart game plan would be and started on the front foot, applying pressure from the first whistle that ultimately gave them their opening goal on 27 mins.
Joel Chianese was brought down in the box after a brilliant pass from Alessandro Del Piero. Chianese showed some composure, cut the ball back and waited for the foul. Smart play from the youngster. Del Piero converted from the spot to make it 1-0.
The Heart could have levelled the game in the 35th minute if it was not for a brilliant Vedran Janjetovic save from a Michael Misfud shot.
Just before half time, Sydney made the Heart pay for some woeful defending, doubling the lead thanks to some great play on the left side from Del Piero.
Again showing that age is no reflection of skill, he delivered a perfectly weighted pass to Ali Abbas on the left wing, who then perfectly cut the ball across goal for an easy tap in on the far side for Chianese. Sydney 2-0.
Sydney continued their dominance in the second half with waves and waves of attacks. Chianese missed a certain goal in the 64th minute that would have made it 3-0, plus the referee missing a blatant hand ball in the box from Aziz Behich.
Playing away from home is never easy, and this was Sydney FC’s first away win since September 2012 and their first clean sheet in 22 games.
Below are the player ratings:
Vedran Janjetovic: Has finally started to play with some confidence. Demonstrated why he has held on to the number one spot with some great plays and distribution. Fist Sydney FC clean sheet in 22 games. 8/10
Pedj Bojic: The former Mariners defender was back in his first start after an injury that made him miss a couple of weeks.
Showed great leadership in organising the back four and loved to use the right wing to join in the attacks. Let this be a lesson to all young defenders. Pedj was never caught out of position. Made his runs but always knew where his man was. Great play. 9/10
Nikola Petkovic: Played and now owns the centre-half position. Was told not to move from defence last night and was always the last man to get through. 7/10
Seb Ryall: After his wonder goal last week, almost opened the scoring with a great shot in the seventh minute. Playing in his natural centre position, did not allow any of the Heart room on the edge of the box. 8/10
Ali Abbas: Filled the role at left back last week due to the send off and this week played the best game at left back any player has played there since David Carney. Great link up play on the left with ADP. 7/10
Brett Emerton: Played out of his skin with a performance of high pressure and great passing. Showed his experience in the midfield and his favourite position on the right wing. 8/10
Nick Carle: Nicky is improving week by week, making it hard for Ange Postecoglou not to consider him for a Socceroo call up. Great passing, defence and all around play. Was most of the time the quarterback or the point guard in starting plays. 9/10 (man of the match)
Alessandro Del Piero: After last week’s game when he was fouled on 12 occasions, it was no wonder the Heart players stayed on their feet around him. Played some great passes and even defended when needed. Although faded near the end of the game, is still head and shoulders above the league in skill and class. 9/10
Chris Naumoff: In my first article last week, I reported that Sydney FC had a star in this youngster.
Still only 18, showed some great determination and skill on the park with great vision, flair and some hunger but also showed composure when needed.
Maybe the extra sessions with ADP have helped. Was unlucky not to score but I believe could be the missing link Sydney have been looking for. 9/10
Joel Chianese: Although had a great first half with the penalty win and the goal, still needs to find some more hunger and flair in his game. Often drifts in and out of the match but overall great game: 7/10
Richard Garcia: Playing against the team he did not want to leave, Garcia played his heart out. Was chasing down everything but became frustrated very easy.
Faded in the second half due to running down everything thrown at him. Getting better each week as the Sydney FC target man. 7/10.
Sydney FC are finally playing the way they should be with some structured, composed passing and strong defence. Still room for improvement but they should be happy to get the win away from home.
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