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Sydney FC are still unbeaten thanks to a brace from David Carney, which saw them secure a 2-1 win over Melbourne Victory.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Sydney FC 2
Melbourne Victory 1
Sydney FC maintain their undefeated record in season 2016/17 coming from behind to defeat bitter rivals Melbourne Victory in an epic Big Blue encounter.
There was plenty of spite in this contest right from the opening whistle with both sides seeking to impose themselves as quite an intense tone was set very early in the match. The Sky Blues very much exploited the whole in the Victory midfield, dominating the possession and looking very dangerous moving the ball forward.
However despite Sydney’s dominance it was the Victory with the best clear-cut chances in the first half. Marco Rojas missing a golden open chance to give his side the lead after Mitch Austin sent in a world class delivery.
It looked as though the Victory were certain to score after Chris Beath pointed to the spot after Besart Berisha was brought down inside the box. The Albanian striker however failed to execute from the spot, skying his penalty well over the cross bar that sent the home supporters into raptures. It was the Victory however with the last laugh heading into the break as a lapse in concentration from the Sydney defence allowed the Rojas to find Austin inside the box and give Victory the lead.
Graham Arnold certainly succeeded in galvinising his side at the break, with a completley different Sydney outfit coming out in the second half.
Sydney were rewarded for their dominance in possession as super-sub David Carney squeezed home quite a controversial equaliser with the Victory protesting that the 32 year old brought the ball down with his arm. The momentum was all with Sydney from there as David Carney very nearly scored again minutes later forcing Thomas into making a terrific save.
But the Victory could do nothing about Carney’s second goal, completing his brace and giving his side the lead after some brilliant play from Rhyan Grant who was without a doubt the man of the match.
The game was far from over with the Victory having some chances late to save the match, including a great chance from Rojas who weaved his way past two defenders before being denied heroically by Jurman.
At full time it was the Sky Blues who were victorious with Graham Arnold picking up his first win against Kevin Muscat as the Sky Blues extend their lead on top of the table to five points.
At the end of the ninety:
Sydney 2 ( Carney 63′ & 78′) def. 1 Victory ( Austin 41′)
Match Preview
It’s the battle of the heavyweights as the Sydney Football Stadium plays host to the first Big Blue of the season. Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory go head to head in this highly anticipated top-of-the-table clash. Join The Roar from 7:50pm (AEDT) for live scores and commentary.
The harbor city is pulsating. The Sky Blues have become just the third team in the league’s history to win all four of their opening matches, and have equalled the record for the most consecutive clean sheets following their 2-0 victory over the Jets last week.
Sydney FC currently sit three points clear on top of the table, sending an ominous warning to their rivals about their intentions for this season. Sydney’s current form has certainly added credit to their title aspirations, the Sky Blues well and truly on their way to claiming their first piece of silverware in six seasons.
Sydney’s impressive form was in full display last weekend with Alex Brosque and Milos Ninkovic scoring either side of the break to guide the Sky Blues to victory away to Newcastle.
In addition, Sydney midfielder Brandon O’Neil was also announced as the October nominee for the NAB Young Footballer of the Year award, reflecting the 22-year-old’s superb start to the campaign in his second season with the Sky Blues.
Sydney FC face a Melbourne Victory side that has been very much of an enigma this season. The Victory however looked as though they finally started to click last week with a romping 6-1 victory against the struggling Wellington Phoenix. Star talisman Besart Berisha found some form, netting a hat-trick, while Marco Rojas also added salt to the wounds of the Phoenix with a brace.
While this win is probably not much to go by, it does provide the Victory with a boost in confidence and just in time for this epic encounter where there is more than just the three points on the line.
Ladder positions and form seemingly go out the window when these two sides meet. This fixture being one filled with passion and drama from the opening whistle both on and off the pitch. The last time these two sides met was back in February where these sides shared the points in Melbourne.
The Victory certainly have history on their side in this fixture, having won three out of their last four against the Sky Blues.
Sydney’s last win against their rivals dates back to Australia Day 2014 where they humiliated the Victory in a 5-0 thumping at Etihad Stadium.
The last time these two sides met in Sydney in was a goal fest as the Victory came from behind twice to record a 4-2 victory. However this time the Sky Blues will be determined to shut down their rivals and hope to make it nine consecutive games without conceding, setting a league record.
This should nonetheless be quite an attacking contest with both sides having multiple goal scorers at their disposal. A big factor contributing to Sydney’s early success has been their multiple threats up front, having four players with multiple goals next to their names. The Sky Blues average almost 14 shots a game this season.
Sydney’s attacking arsenal will be buoyed with Bernie Ibini and George Blackwood returning to the side.
Likewise the Victory’s arsenal of attacking options is equally as dangerous with Besart Berisha, Marco Rojas and Mitch Austin all heavily contributing so far this season. Berisha and Rojas lead the Golden Boot having scored four goals each this season.
The Victory, like their opponents, also make two changes with George Howard and Jai Ingham replacing the injured Daniel Georgevski and captain Carl Valeri who has been left out of the side due to soreness.
Marco Rojas found some of the form which guided him to the Johnny Warren medal in his first stint in the A-League. The ‘Kiwi-Messi’ has made a significant impact on his return having not only scored four goals but also provided three assists so far this season. Rojas’ blistering runs and world-class deliveries into the box makes the 24-year-old one of the most dangerous players in the league.
Rojas will likely come up against Michael Zullo who leads the league in successful tackles. This is certainly a match up to keep an eye on.
We once again embark on what should be another classic encounter between these two rivals. The history and titles between these two sides are merely a sideshow of the immense drama and passion that is displayed every time they meet.
A big hole looms in the Victory midfield due to Car Valeri’s absence, an area which Sydney will look to exploit.
Prediction
Another Big Blue classic.
Sydney 2-1.
Will the Sky Blues continue their unbeaten run? Or will history once again repeat itself in favour of the Victory? Join The Roar from 7:50pm (AEDT) to find out.
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