Opinion
Round 21 had two games where the winning team won by four goals and contrastingly there were two draws. There were 19 goals scored in six games and three teams that kept a clean sheet.
Remarkably, in all four games where a team claimed three points, the winning team had less possession than their opposition.
Have a look at who made the cut in Round 21.
Formation: 3-5-2
Goalkeeper: Lawrence Thomas (Western Sydney Wanderers)
Thomas made seven saves, which were all diving saves. He kept a clean sheet and made a brilliant double save in the second half that were really impressive. It was the ninth time this season in 21 games where he hasn’t let in a goal, which equates to 43 per cent of games where he hasn’t conceded a goal.
Centre-back: Lachlan Barr (Adelaide United)
Barr was solid at the back for Adelaide United and got his reward down the other end of the pitch when he made the score 3-nil in their favour with an exquisite cross from (who else) Craig Goodwin, who delivered a pinpoint corner. It was a pivotal goal as it gave Adelaide United a three goal lead over Wellington Phoenix.
Centre-back: Jonathan Aspropotamitis (Macarthur FC)
Aspropotamitis may have scored an own goal, but he prevented the opposition from scoring. Macarthur FC wouldn’t have claimed a point if not for his presence. He made countless clearances and headered clearances, which kept Macarthur FC in the game against the top of the table, Melbourne City. There was a barrage of attacks that he dealt with calmly and effectively.
Centre-back: Tomislav Uskok (Macarthur FC)
Uskok did a great job in the heart of the Macarthur FC defence, against a Melbourne City team they lost 6-1 to in Round 15, which took resilience and mental fortitude to overcome this and get a result in Round 21. He cleared the ball well when called upon and passed the ball around accurately and formed a great partnership with Jonathan Aspropotamitis.
Right-midfield: Amor Layouni (Western Sydney Wanderers)
Layouni was the best player on the pitch in the Sydney Derby, scoring two goals and providing one assist. He was a constant threat in the final third. He passed the ball exquisitely and his movement along with his execution of passes were first class.
Centre-midfield: Calem Nieuwenhof (Western Sydney Wanderers)
Nieuwenhof showed Sydney FC that they should have given him more game time. He never stopped working and scored a cracking goal from outside of the box, which ended up in the top corner of the net to make the score 3-0 in favour of Western Sydney Wanderers. He also worked hard defensively as he tackled the opposition players.
Centre-midfield: Jay O’Shea (Brisbane Roar)
O’Shea continues is a player that’s inspirational. He is arguably one the best imports in the A-League as he delivers week in, week out. In Round 21 he passed the ball accurately and scored the only game in the 81st minute. It was an incredible strike and could be a season defining one for the Brisbane Roar.
Attacking-midfield: Ryan Williams (Perth Glory)
Williams scored a goal from a header in the 97th minute, which was a goal worthy of any league in the world. It may well be an integral point that Perth Glory claimed as the table is extremely tight. The game ended 2-2 thanks to him, as he deservedly profited from his hard work against fellow top six hopefuls, Newcastle Jets.
Left-midfield: Craig Goodwin (Adelaide United)
Goodwin is a standard setter for the Reds. He scored a goal and provided an assist. Adelaide United always looked dangerous from set pieces, because of his delivery. Once again it was there for all to see what a fantastic leader he is, in a team where youngsters are flourishing.
Forward: Bruno Fornaroli (Melbourne Victory)
Fornaroli effectively kept the hopes of Melbourne Victory playing finals by finish in the top six a mathematical possibility. His work rate was remarkable with and without the ball. His passes were accurate. He scored the opening goal of the game with a stunning strike from outside the box, in the 16th minute, which was a clinical, world-class finish.
Forward: Luka Jovanovic (Adelaide United)
Jovanovic was picked in the starting 11 ahead of import Hiroshi Ibusuki. He scored the second goal of the game in the 23rd minute and repaid the faith that Carl Veart had in starting him.
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