There were 20 goals in six matches for the second week in a row, despite four of the 12 teams in the A-League teams keeping a clean sheet in Round 9. There was a derby that was the only draw from the weekend.
Check out who made the difference for their team in Round 9.
Brisbane Roar
Jay O’Shea showed some endeavour, in what was a shambolic display by Brisbane Roar.
The Irishman created six chances and made 19 passes into the final third. Most notably, O’Shea passed to Carlo Armiento in the 43rd minute and crossed to Thomas Waddingham in the 48th minute, both to no avail as they were saved by Mariners goalkeeper Danny Vukovic.
Central Coast Mariners
Josh Nisbet played as a No.10 for the game in its entirety.
The aspiring star created what could’ve made it a brace for Marco Tulio in the 50th minute, who was unfortunately caught offside. Then he created the second goal for the Mariners with a dummy that led to Angel Torres scoring in the 56th minute.
To cap off a great game from Nisbet he provided the assist for Torres in the 97th minute to cap off a third goal scored by the Mariners for the second consecutive round.
Adelaide United
Luka Jovanovic justified his selection in the Reds’ starting 11 as he was a constant threat.
The Young Socceroo provided the assist for the goal that broke the deadlock through Hiroshi Ibusuki in the 14th minute. Along with that, the second goal came from Jovanovic winning a penalty in the 67th minute, which Zach Clough finished from the penalty spot.
Newcastle Jets
Justin Vidic breathed a bit of life into the Jets’ attack by scoring; the young substitute provided a clinical finish, albeit in the 89th minute, which gave the Jets a lifeline and hopefully boosted their morale in what was a disappointing night for the visitors at Coopers Stadium.
Wellington Phoenix
Kosta Barbarouses continues to produce when it matters; he’s like a fine wine, as he gets better with age.
Wellington’s Kosta Barbarouses. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
The two goals scored in the game both came in second-half stoppage time and the New Zealander was involved in both, scoring the first and providing an assist for the second, scored by Ben Old, just three minutes later.
Western Sydney Wanderers
Aiden Simmons was substituted off in the 86th minute, after having an outstanding game.
From that point on the aspiring youngster was sorely missed as both goals conceded by the Wanderers were conceded without the talented youngster on the field.
Sydney FC
Joe Lolley scored a brace and proved to be a pivotal part of Sydney FC winning the game.
The Englishman made the score 2-1 in favour of the Sky Blues in the 40th minute, which was pivotal as they conceded the opening goal of the game. He provided the assist for a goal from Jack Rodwell in the 47th minute.
Following that, Lolley put the game to bed, when he made it a 4-2 win for his team in the 92nd minute. Despite scoring two goals Lolley wasn’t satisfied: “I need to score more.”
Western United
Daniel Penha proved to be a positive that Western United can take out of their loss to the Sky Blues.
Unfortunately, there was no one on the end of his good work. In the 24th minute he passed to Riku Danzaki who put it on a plate for Noah Botic who failed to score. Along with that Penha put it on a plate for Lachlan Wales in the 63rd minute who didn’t score either.
The Brazilian put in a good shift for his team for the second week in a row. The lead-up play and football intelligence displayed by Penha was impressive; he didn’t deserve to be on the losing side.
Daniel Penha of Western United and Aziz Behich of Melbourne City contest the ball. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
Melbourne City
Aziz Behich made many a marauding run forward down the left-hand side for Manchester City.
The Socceroo was fired up and looked in the mood to prove that he warrants game time in the upcoming Asian Cup. There’s no disputing that he is a competitor and did everything conceivable to get his team the three points.
Melbourne Victory
Damien Da Silva was there when he needed to be in the heart of defence.
The Frenchman made a goal-saving tackle on Tolgay Arslan in the 78th minute. Along with that, he finished with eight clearances and won six out of eight duels and helped keep Victory in the game.
Perth Glory
Giordano Colli was simply brilliant for Perth Glory and helped them to come back from a two-goal deficit.
The young prospect provided the assist for Salim Khelifi in the 48th minute ensuring that Perth Glory got back into the game. Colli made good decisions and showed that he has good football intelligence. Along with that, he made 11 passes into the final third.
Colli wasn’t getting carried away with the win: “This is just a stepping stone.”
Macarthur FC
Matthew Millar was involved in both goals that were scored by Macarthur FC, even though he played at right-back, as opposed to a more advanced role.
The first goal scored by Millar was quality and the assist that he provided for Valere Germain meant Macarthur FC went into the break with a two-goal lead. He finished with seven touches in the opposition box and made five passes into the final third.
Millar did his job defensively as well, given he finished with six clearances and won seven out of eight duels.
Doran Smith
Roar Guru
Goodwin is a good prospect, provided he can stay injury free.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
I was saying Colli also did these two good things in the first half so was agreeing with the choice, Vidic or Goodwin who set him up for the Jets.
Doran Smith
Roar Guru
Thanks for your input Brainstrust. Interested in who you would've picked for the Jets and Glory.
Doran Smith
Roar Guru
Thanks for your input Grem. Have a great Christmas too.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
Oshea was great with the ball, but he got easily rounded by Nisbet for the last goal and defensively was struggling. Not that there was anyone else any good on the day. Newcastle if your giving it to players coming on with 10 minutes to go what does that say about the rest of the team. Even 3-0 down the coach waits almost 10 minutes to make the final subs. Aidan Simmons did some decent things in attack was it outstanding, he lost track of Barbarouses on the odd occasions, hand ball goal if that deflection had been lower or slower Barbarouses had all the space in the world while Simmons was on the goal line. Pieras had some moments but what was with his teamates lack of support, you would have thought they were playing for the draw, and Badalato at the end hit the post. Barbarouses that was one of the best touches I have seen to put that long ball past the keeper, though you see Thomas hesitates twice to come for the ball. Also Wellington should have scored off that superb Barbarouses tackle wiining the ball, but Ball with four players to choose from didnt make the pass. Lolley had two exeptional shots this game, and thats why Sydney won with Western United missing some easy chances. His tracking back and defensive work were missing, Sydney are playing Russian roulette type football, Caceres did a lot of tracking back and gets taken off. You would think Sydney are trying to max out the total goal number of goals. Arslan had a great game, Behich is he getting the award for the acting, it was a better defensive performance by him yes and he was very determined in this match, and he doesnt like Arzani. De Silva I dont know , I thought Miranda played better, shouldnt he have been marking Maclaren when Maclaren got the ball of Broxham. Macach you could argue his ball to Fornaroli should have been the match winner but Fornaroli is so slow. Colli his best work was in the first half, hit the post then that shot Taggart should have scored off the rebound. Miller was the best for MAcarthur but he like the rest of the team faded in the second half and he could have covered a lot more.
Grem
Roar Rookie
Great choices Doran. Nisbet must have been close to Socceroos selection and Lolley was his usual self plus 2 goals. Jovanovic was outstanding - I hope lots of goals come for him soon - I do enjoy watching Adelaide play. Have a great Christmas Doran and look forward to more of your writing in the future.