Sydney FC’s A-League season is back on track, following their 2-0 defeat of Melbourne Heart. Let’s run the rule over each of Sydney’s players.
Vedran Janjetovic – 8/10
Another excellent performance from the Sky Blue custodian, although he would have been tested further had it not been for Heart’s profligacy.
Showed sharp awareness to block Mifsud’s effort early in the first half.
Pedj Bojic – 8/10
Drove effortlessly forward in attack against a mediocre Heart defence, whilst remaining imperious at the back.
Replaced by McFlynn in the 79th minute.
Sebastian Ryall – 7/10
After his wondergoal last week, the hard-nosed defender continued his improved form – although Michael Mifsud at times gave him the runaround – making himself a nuisance at set pieces all the while.
Nikola Petkovic – 7.5/10
Has made a seamless transition into the A-League, as shown by another assured, comfortable performance.
Ali Abbas – 7.5/10
Oddly looks a more reliable player as a makeshift left-back, as shown by some strong standing tackles throughout the match.
Like Bojic, he launched himself forward with ease, earning himself an assist in the process.
Brett Emerton – 7.5/10
One of the marquee’s best performances since joining Sydney two years ago, rolling back the years with crisp distribution and movement.
Substituted for Jurman just after the hour mark.
Nick Carle – 6.5/10
Showed some inspiring touches and maintained an air of class throughout.
In saying that, still seems suspect defensively as a number 6.
Christopher Naumoff – 7/10
Promising starting debut for the Sutherland junior, wasn’t afraid to express himself down the left flank.
Linked well with Abbas for the second goal.
Alessandro Del Piero – 9/10
What more can you say about him?
Cooly slotted away his second penalty in a matter of weeks, before proving he was far more genius than diver as he dictated play seemingly without having to move.
Richard Garcia – 7.5/10
Typical workhorse performance from the ex-Heart man, running tirelessly without being fazed by the boo-boys.
Joel Chianese – 6.5/10
Added his second goal of the season after some poor positioning from Aziz Behich.
However, he continues to frustrate the Sky Blue faithful as he ended several scoring opportunities with some torrid first-touches.
Replaced by Yau late on.
Substitutions:
Matt Jurman – 5.5/10
Did not do anything particularly of note in his 30-odd minutes on the pitch, suggesting he did his defensive duties successfully.
Terry McFlynn – 5.5/10
A welcome return for the former captain who, like Jurman, did little of note.
Still managed to get himself cautioned for being unsportsmanlike in the dying minutes
Yairo Yau – 5/10
Given a runaround late on but struggled to get himself into the game.
Titus
Guest
Have to agree QsAF.......Abbas was probably ahead of Bojic in terms of attack and this payed off with the assist for Chianese. I would probably have Petkovic a bit higher also.
Qantas supports Australian Football
Guest
Ali Abbas – 7.5/10 ?? I thought in the first half he was the player who made the difference for SFC, from the usual bad defence into a very good one. A very good first half performance by him.. RB is his position for me now, and that's where he should continue to play for the rest of the season. ADP one word genius... The only worry now is the subs who came on; they did not add anything to what was a brilliant first half performance..
Stevo
Guest
These rating have to be discounted based on the listless performance of the opposition. Don't flatter yourselves SFC.