The Sky Blues had chances to win the match, as they were heavily favoured to do, against an extremely youthful Adelaide set up, decimated by injury and Olyroos duties.

But they couldn’t, and with the Asian Champions League on the horizon, Graham Arnold’s men may just be on the verge of a tricky spell.

Either that, or Marco Kurz’s are about to take their next step towards being genuine contenders.

ADELAIDE UNITED

Daniel Margush - 7.5

Poor distribution but some quick reflexes to stop Mierzejewski, and a brilliant save on Jordy Bujis.

Michael Marrone - 6.5

He has the ability, but loses concentration easily and often appears in two minds.  

Ryan Strain - 7.5

Ready from the get-go and provided a few heart-in-mouth moments for Andrew Redmayne      

Jordan Elsey - 8.5

Mature head on young shoulders, not lacking in confidence whether it’s a tackle on Mierzejewski or a tussle with Alex Brosque. Man of the match for his efforts.

Ersan Gülüm - 7

Took no prisoners, before being taken out himself and withdrawn injured on the 40th minute.    

Isaías – 8.5

Outclassed Ninkovic and Mierzejewski as often as they outclassed him in the first half, then stepped it up another level in the second. In a 0-0, this contest was the best part.  

Mark Ochieng – 7.5  

Bursts of acceleration couldn’t be matched by sub-par positioning, however he put in one of the most impressive shifts of the lot.

Daniel Adlung - 8

Carried the ball up-field with confidence, held possession acutely and allowed Adelaide’s defence to breathe, but his crosses were inaccurate.

Jordan O'Doherty – 7.5     

Very nifty skills and nicked a couple of superb flick-ons going forward.

Apostolos Stamatelopoulos – 7

Timid finishing, lacking raw power, but he held the ball up well and ran down opponents vociferously.

Lachlan Brook - 7      

Played his heart out, but lacked cutting edge around the box.

Ben Warland - 7

Massive ask containing a surging Sydney after replacing Gulum, and while Elsey led the way, he followed in suit.

Kristin Konstandopoulos -  6.5

Slightly more influential than the other substitutions, but appeared a downgrade from Lachlan Brook.

Pacifique Niyongabire – N/A

Threw himself into a couple of challenges, but didn’t see much of the ball.

SYDNEY FC

Andrew Redmayne – 6.5   

Had few saves to make.

Luke Wilkshire - 6     

Pressed forward but his crossing wasn’t up to its usual standards.

David Carney – 5.5

Too clever at times, causing issues for himself defensively and turning over the ball offensively.    

Jordy Buijs - 8

Fantastic game, busted a gut to get forward and was one of the most threatening Sydney players.

Alex Wilkinson – 7.5

Very capable at the back, left nothing in the tank. Too strong and imposing for Stamatelopoulos.

Brandon O'Neill - 7

Threw himself around like a ragdoll early, then began dictating without much effect.

Adrian Mierzejewski - 6

Looked like he was trying too hard; he was heavily involved, but will be disappointed with his finishing. Ultimately, a hit and miss performance, with some heavy touches hurting Sydney’s rhythm.

Joshua Brillante - 6

A metronome as always, disrupting Adelaide’s counters in the second half with ease. Didn’t contribute much going forward.

Alex Brosque – 6.5

Another who couldn’t quite provide the finishing touch, often missing his targets or losing possession.

Milos Ninkovic – 7.5 

Class as always. He created for Sydney FC, and suffered as his teammates couldn’t capitalise.

Bobô - 5.5

Kept very quiet. Completely off-day, and if there's one thing Sydney lack, it's striking depth.

Matt Simon – N/A