In his pre-match monologue, Simon Hill described the Big Blue as the A-League’s Manchester United versus Liverpool. He wasn’t wrong. The match had all the life of its Premier League counterpart at Anfield a week ago.
For the fixture’s hype and colourful past, it failed to deliver anything of substance to the neutral.
Not that the Victory fans inside the Etihad Stadium would have minded. They’ve been far more enterprising throughout the rest of the season, but with just five points separating leaders Western Sydney from fifth-placed Sydney, performance can occasionally be sacrificed for a result.
The Sky Blues certainly approached the match with that same mentality. We’ve witnessed Graham Arnold’s stubborn approach away from home in recent weeks, and it’s one that yielded yet another derby win last weekend.
Though they had been ahead at Pirtek Stadium, Sydney seemed content to settle for a point, Shane Smeltz’s late winner was a mere bonus.
The same game plan looked effective yesterday. An early chance to Besart Berisha appeared to set the tone for another fast-paced battle, but Sydney found their structure and the tempo slowed down from there.
Their gap between defence and midfield was minimal at most times, particularly when Victory were in possession, with the Sydney backline camped inside their own box and Mickael Tavares stationed just outside the box to stifle any balls into the area.
Sydney’s shape would have had the tactical purists frothing and Victory fans frustrated. For much of the first half there was no way through, and when in possession, the option was more often than not a hoofed ball up to Matt Simon.
There was no real attempt from Graham Arnold’s men to play stylish football, and they weren’t feigning it at all. They were in Melbourne to get a point, maybe nick all three if a chance presented itself.
To the chagrin of most football fans, the parked bus approach was working for 45 minutes at least. Perhaps a sign of that was Gui Finkler’s studs-up challenge on Simon, which saw him fortunate to escape a red card if you saw the right replay, or justly yellow carded if you consider Strebre Delovski was watching in real time.
The odd time Sydney did push higher up the field and were dispossessed, they were quick to track back and snuff out a counter attack – case in point, Rhyan Grant’s brilliant sliding tackle on a runaway Kosta Barbarouses.
Arnold shouldn’t be criticised for his methods. It’s a similar mindset that led Chelsea to the Premier League title last season. A 1-0 win was plenty to appease Jose Mourinho, whose side was often accused of playing boring football once they had a lead.
It can be a championship-winning formula if employed correctly – settle for a draw in tricky away matches, focus on getting points at home.
Sydney have lost just once at the Allianz Stadium this season – 4-2 to Victory in November. If they win the premiership or get to the grand final by playing the odd conservative away game, Arnold will be lauded.
But the style isn’t without its flaws. Sydney have been criticised for being too reactive at times, even if they’ve only conceded first on three occasions this campaign.
It was the case against Victory. It wasn’t until Matt Jurman’s own goal that Sydney kicked into gear and actually looked like they would have had more success backing themselves and taking the game to the Victory.
Indeed, they were almost gifted a goal early in the second half when Simon flicked on a throw-in to the back post, where any Sydney player trailing would have had a tap in. But there was no one else willing to venture that high up the pitch, lest Victory break.
Just moments before the decisive goal, Seb Ryall picked out substitute Shane Smeltz brilliantly, his header going just wide.
And had Sydney played the whole 90 minutes with the intent they played the final 10 minutes, they might’ve taken something from the game.
Perhaps it’s a benefit of hindsight, but sitting deep and soaking up the pressure rarely works against a potent attack like Victory’s. Kevin Muscat’s side needed a helping hand this time around, but they pride themselves on always finding a way through.
Arnold’s style is divisive – he’s hailed as a genius when Sydney win playing the safe way, derided when it fails.
The first 45 minutes proved stubbornness can be successful, but so can taking risks every so often.
j binnie
Guest
Fuss -Our "average" over the years Season 10/11 - 2.7; Season 11/12 -2.7: Season 12/13 --2.7: Season 13/14 - 2.7; Season 14/15 - 3: Season 15/16 - 2.8 goals per match. Doesn't vary much does it?. cheers jb
Midfielder
Guest
Double post as my post has gone to the modsI have not read the 70% of players don’t like Gallop but I will take your word for it … but I have read at lleast five articles where 60% of players want to vote out the PFA CEO… Gallop had it all set up for him …. by who … if you say BB then what you truly believe BB was better than Gallop… On the fans we agree and I have argued this about JON, BB and DG … But you have inspired me to put my thoughts into a broader and hopefully better written manner… What I see is FFA coping it in the neck for a whole range of issues and simply say FFA or Gallop and many just say they are wrong or mostly wrong … What I see over the last 3 years is an FFA Cup, a National Premier League, the move into mainstream media acceptance, that FFA now receive more in sponsorships than either RL or RU, they had a turn over last year of 120 million.. I see an ego driven and self opinionated National broadcaster …. who has failed to create a nexus between itself and other media outlets to promote football …. I see a NZ side that many question what they bring to the table being asked to prove their value by adding more than being a team… As I said hopefully I will right it better than I have just pointed out … look out for it …. I am no apologist for FFA however their is a question of balance and over the few months I read from many fans just constantly bag FFA out almost as if fool were running the place… often with phases of we need a Football person …. I won’t deny there is need for improvement in a number of areas … but thats what it is IMO …ie a need for improvement in a number of places … I remember all the Football people from the late 60’s on and there are only a few you would feed…
Midfielder
Guest
I have not read the 70% of players don't like Gallop but I will take your word for it ... but I have read at lleast five articles where 60% of players want to vote out the PFA CEO... Gallop had it all set up for him .... by who ... if you say BB then what you truly believe BB was better than Gallop... On the fans we agree and I have argued this about JON, BB and DG ... But you have inspired me to put my thoughts into a broader and hopefully better written manner... What I see is FFA coping it in the neck for a whole range of issues and simply say FFA or Gallop and many just say they are wrong or mostly wrong ... What I see over the last 3 years is an FFA Cup, a National Premier League, the move into mainstream media acceptance, that FFA now receive more in sponsorships than either RL or RU, they had a turn over last year of 120 million.. I see an ego driven and self opinionated National broadcaster .... who has failed to create a nexus between itself and other media outlets to promote football .... I see a NZ side that many question what they bring to the table being asked to prove their value by adding more than being a team... As I said hopefully I will right it better than I have just pointed out ... look out for it .... I am no apologist for FFA however their is a question of balance and over the few months I read from many fans just constantly bag FFA out almost as if fool were running the place... often with phases of we need a Football person .... I won't deny there is need for improvement in a number of areas ... but thats what it is IMO ...ie a need for improvement in a number of places ... I remember all the Football people from the late 60'son and there are only a few you would feed...
Bob Brown
Roar Guru
Midfielder, don't put words in my mouth. There are obviously issues there when over 70% of players and fans have no confidence in the CEO David Gallop. The great achievements we have made over the last 11 years are not due entirely to Gallop, but to his predecessors and the foot soldiers and generals who make up the rest of the FFA. I thought Gallop's behaviour towards fans and players and his overall reaction to the naming and shaming controversy was totally inadequate and I would like to see him replaced at the next available opportunity.
Justin Mahon
Guest
Agree, with a twist. I would go as far as to say that teams like Sydney FC playing packed defences is the greatest training opportunity our club could wish for. We cannot recreate this opportunity. The requirement that Victory play for points against teams like this will improve our game. For this we will thank Graeme Arnold in years to come ?
RBBAnonymous
Guest
I don't think he has a conflict of interest now that he is the chairman of the PFA. Of course he is going to be biased and have the players back, why wouldn't he. The FFA has their own mouthpiece and its not SBS or FOX, its Kyle Paterson and even Mike Cockerill. .
Midfielder
Guest
So everything wrong in Football is because of the inept FFA and their outdated management practices... No error or fault of anyone else they are all correct... So SBS's failure to delivery ratings is the fault of the FFA ... The PFA stance with FFA was all the fault of the FFA .... The Nix issue was totally out of order and FFA had no right or was totally wrong in what they wanted.. I can see you are right we should fire all of them ,,, they are so bad at their job they have achieved nothing over thje last 11 years and the last 3 years their is no single point we can say FFA did a good job... Its great having the head whether defacto or otherwise of SBS Football and someone who in my memory who I can't recall has ever backed the FFA ogainst any PFA claim... and who has bemoaned FFA and club management constantly ... I have no issues with Craig being the PFA head .. but he should step down from his broadcasting role as he cannot be free from bias in discussions pertaining to player / club / FFA issues ... and generally the breakdown of FFA spending.... However I think you see it differently ... as you see nothing but fault with FFA ... consider who told you the most there was fault with FFA ...
Bob Brown
Roar Guru
Very knowledgeable former player representing the players rights, must be a good thing. He will bring the players pressing issues to the boil and pressure the FFA to do something about them, like the fans naming and shaming issues that were recently brought to a head. Things have improved since then and heading back in the right direction. If Gallop goes as a result, the A-League and the FFA will be better for it.
Bob Brown
Roar Guru
And the sky might start falling down and we all get hit in the head with pieces of blue and fluffy white clouds . . .
Punter
Guest
No goals in teh first 10 games of the season is pretty poor for a top notch striker.
Greg
Guest
I really don't understand this opinion. Smeltz has proven himself in the a-league (and at World Cup level). Sydney have hardly given him a good consistent show of support. In fact, for a player with his goal scoring record they have treated him poorly. They have shown much more faith in much worse players.
Punter
Guest
Lets also have a look, I can return to the A-League, ala, Juric, Mooy, Nathan Burns & rebuild my career, before having another crack O/S. Whereas in those days, the NSL was really a low paying, low crowds & attention, so better off struggling in the lower leagues then return home.
Punter
Guest
I love the golden generation Nordster, but I think Robbie Slater won the EPL & now if playing today he would be up against the underresourced third world nation, yeah I think Slater v Toure or Augero, yes tough decision. The golden generation were playing at Milwall, Serie B teams, or in the lower leagues of Holland & other 2nd tier football. In those days, we didn't get that much information on them apart from them playing in European teams They say a hungry man is hungrier then the well fed man.
RBBAnonymous
Guest
@FIUL You will be interested to know that all the games that really matter a lot of them have been back ended towards the end of the season. I know WSW is going to go through a tough stretch of games where we will play Melbourne City, Melbourne Victory twice, Sydney FC, Adelaide and Brisbane. Interestingly enough our biggest game outside of the derby is usually Melbourne Victory. We usually sell out our away allocation or get very close and I know we will have some good numbers at least for one of the fixtures. Every time we get a match with a 1st vs 2nd scenario it is always a big match. So this Friday I am expecting a full house in terms of tickets sold. Furthermore there is still the Melb Derby to be played, a Sydney Derby and still a big blue. So this prediction of doom and gloom from various posters doesn't look like it will eventuate, just as I expected.
nordster
Guest
Lol ok sure i'll see if Egon Zehnder will consider me for the next elections! :)
nordster
Guest
absolutely punter, and its in this era that hal players are returning home with their tails between their legs. Cant even compete with exports from underresourced third world nation....i guess we are in the post prosperity west, the hunger not there;) The nsl dollar for dollar destroys the hal as far as football exports go ...there is no question about this....whatever way youse want to spin it... The golden generation was more nsl than hal and they gave u 06 .... :)
nordster
Guest
And in the mid to latter parts of the NSL ...you're cherry picking. The golden generation came more out of the NSL than the HAL btw.... The credit for 06 belongs more to old soccer than new football ....jussayin....
AVictory
Guest
Hey I love that ad! It combines summer and football, it's a feel good combination!
Brick Tamland of the pants party
Guest
The thing is A-League players don't "routinely" fail in Europe now do they. You are taking the easy route to say Taggart wasn't good enough but fail to mention the chronic injuries he suffered pretty much on arrival and the fact the manager who signed him isn't there anymore. Hopefully Taggart can come home and bang in the goals and try again in a year or two when he'll still only be 24-25. Kinda like Juric, you know the guy who wasn't good enough for the Croatian league came home and now scores goals for fun in the Eredivisie.
Punter
Guest
So Neill, Cahill, Bresc, Cullina, Slater, Emerton, Zelic. Okon, Vidmar, Moore & many others all played for smaller clubs first in their youth, very few went to be starters in mid clubs straight from NSL. Plus in those days you weren't competing with the large influx of Africans, Sth Americans & eastern Europeans they have to now, I wonder out loud, how many of those players would have played for a big to mid club in today's market?????