Player ratings following Sydney FC’s win over Wellington Phoenix:
VEDRAN JANJETOVIC – 7.5/10
Saved Sydney’s bacon on several occasions as his defence did not seem to notice the onslaught of long range efforts being targeted towards goal. Handling was suspect at times but is really developing into a quality keeper.
PEDJ BOJIC – 6.5/10
Was his usual marauding self as he terrified his opposing fullback with verve and intent. His performance would have been viewed more favourably had it not been for two clumsy challenges that left his side in the lurch late on.
SEBASTIAN RYALL – 7.5/10
Farina looks to have found his best central defensive partnership with the former Olyroo putting in another impressive performance. At times he was slow to close down long range efforts but his trademark run upfield in the dying seconds summates his value to the side.
NIKOLA PETKOVIC – 7/10
Was his usual composed self as he dealt comfortably with Wellington’s attacking threat in the first half. The introduction of Ifill and Cunningham in the second half made his task more arduous but still performed admirably.
ALI ABBAS – 6.5/10
Looking to cement himself as Sydney’s favoured left back and did his chances no harm with this performance. Threw his body on the line and broke up countless threats down the wing but his defensive frailties were displayed particularly when he tripped over himself attempting to intercept a through ball which was uncharateristically skied by Brockie.
NICKY CARLE – 8/10
The former Socceroo’s best performance since having his role changed to a number 6. Threw himself around like a seasoned hatchet man but often showed all the panache of a number 10 to dribble himself out of situations.
BRETT EMERTON – 7.5/10
Ran himself ragged as always, whilst also showing pace that hasn’t been seen since his Blackburn days. Often looked suspect in aerial duels but another encouraging effort from the underperforming marquee. Was given the runaround by Cunningham when he was moved to right back after the sending off.
CHRIS NAUMOFF – 6/10
Hustled and harried but didnt show the attacking quality that was on display in earlier performances. Subbed off for Despotovic but will continue to grow at this level.
ALESSANDRO DEL PIERO – 7/10
Some classy touches and long range efforts from the Italian but was far from his best against the Phoenix. Cut a frustrated figure in the second half, leading to him being replaced by McFlynn.
JOEL CHIANESE – 6/10
Was blinkered in his attacking runs and his first touch again led to the downfall of promising openings. In saying this, he ran himself into the ground and still has time on his side to improve and become a key facet of the Sky Blues in years to come. Replaced by Jurman as Farina looked to sure things up after the sending off.
RICHARD GARCIA – 7.5/10
Recovered from an early head clash to score an absolute rasper to put Sydney one-up. Showed experience throughout the game, dropping back to account for the inexperience of Naumoff and Chianese.
SUBSTITUTES
MATT JURMAN – 5.5/10
Did nothing of note in his 30 odd minutes on the pitch, as Sydney went on the backfoot.
RANKO DESPOTOVIC – 7/10
Replaced Naumoff in the 72nd minute to certainly make an impression. Showed both strength and pace, suggesting that he is a true centre forward. Immediately endeared himself to the Sky Blue faithful as he netted a last-gasp winner on debut.
TERRY MCFLYNN – 5/10
Oh Terry. Sydney’s only remaining foundation player has struggled for first team football in recent years, culminating in him losing Cunningham for the Phoenix equaliser.
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