Sydney FC 2 – 0 Western Sydney Wanderers

It took just four minutes for last season’s premiers to take the lead, with Englishman Adam Le Fondre netting his second goal in as many games after reacting quickest to Paulo Retre’s deflected effort then Vedran Janjetovic’s excellent save to finish into an empty net.

The Wanderers worked their way back into proceedings but just after half-time they handed Sydney a second, with Josh Risdon’s mistake being punished by Milos Ninkovic, who teed up Alex Brosque for 2 – 0.

Markus Babbel’s side should have been back in the game at 2 – 1 just before the hour, but Roly Bonevacia’s effort from just inside the area was controversially ruled out after referee Chris Beath (consulting with VAR) deemed Jaushua Sotirio to have obstructed Michael Zullo in the build-up.

Babbel was furious with the decision, and his protestations were punished with a red card, the first time ever a manager in the A-League has been handed one. Despite more pressure from the away side late on, Steve Corica’s side held on for yet another derby win. 

Sydney FC

Andrew Redmayne – 5.5

Actually looked quite unconvincing all night as he almost gave Bonevacia an easy finish in the first half but was let off. Looked shaky in coming for crosses too as well as not dealing with Bonevacia’s second half strike, even if it was ruled out.

Rhyan Grant – 5.5

Wasn’t able to have a strong attacking influence as Corica’s side preferred to utilise Zullo down the left more. Probably still needs to be better if he is to be in the Socceroos conversation.

Alex Wilkinson – 6

Reliable as always, marking Riera out of the game for the most part. Did look uncomfortable when the ball was slipped in behind him and that could be a way for other teams to exploit him in the future.

Jop van der Linden – 6.5

Should have cleared the ball away for Roly Bonevacia’s disallowed goal as Josh Risdon’s cross went straight through him. However, over the course of the 90 he got his head onto many dangerous Western Sydney crosses to prevent Redmayne from having to do much.

Michael Zullo – 6

Wasn’t that prevalent early on but as the game opened up in the second period he was able to bomb on a bit more to provide an outlet in attack. Dealt with Sotirio well for the most part. 

 

Brandon O’Neill – 7

Went about things in his usual manner, keeping possession well for the Sky Blues with simple short passes as well as displaying fantastic tenacity to win balls back in the midfield. Made a brilliant goal line clearance to deny Keanu Baccus late on.

Joshua Brillante – 6

As is often the case, he put in a similar display to O’Neill but probably showed more endeavour to get further forward from his number 6 role and link up with Grant in particular.

Paulo Retre – 5

O’Neill and Brillante preferred to supply Ninkovic more in the opening 45 so Retre’s influence was peripheral. Also didn’t really have an impact in the second period but with De Jong’s late injury he could see more starts in future.

Milos Ninkovic – 8

Was absolutely brilliant in the first half, proving to be elusive for Rashid Mahazi and Keanu Baccus in the centre of the pitch. Reacted quickly in the second half to Josh Risdon’s poor pass to pounce and tee up Alex Brosque with a beautifully weighted pass.

Alex Brosque – 7.5

In typical Brosque fashion he was everywhere in the Wanderers half early, tirelessly running down balls down the channels and pressing from the front. Was rewarded in the second half with his goal, a clinical finish across Janjetovic.

Adam Le Fondre – 7

Was in the right place at the right time to pounce on Retre’s initial effort then Janjetovic’s save for his opening goal, demonstrating his poaching ability. Continued to look lively throughout and looks like he will be Sydney’s top scorer this season.

SUBS

Siem de Jong – N/A

Was extremely unlucky to suffer a hamstring injury after being rested for the FFA Cup Final in the first half. Hopefully it is nothing too serious and the Dutchman will be available again soon.

Charles Lokolingoy – 5.5

Struggled to impose himself as the game’s intensity died down when he came on.

Cameron Devlin – N/A

Came on too late to get a rating.

Western Sydney Wanderers

Vedran Janjetovic – 6

Was unlucky in seeing his first save go straight back to Le Fondre for Sydney’s opener. Nothing he could do about Brosque’s second either and really apart from the goals the ball didn’t come his way that often.

Josh Risdon – 5.5

Not sure what he was doing by giving the ball straight to Ninkovic who then teed up Brosque for Sydney’s second. Hasn’t started the season well at all and if he is to retain his spot in the Socceroos he needs to be much better.

Ruon Tongyik – 6

Uses his physicality very well, although probably doesn’t possess the best turn of pace. Looks like a solid purchase from the Wanderers and is still only young. Did well to stifle out a couple of enticing crosses.

Brendan Hamill – 6

Another frustrating derby night for the skipper, although he always seems to put in a solid display in these matches. Has developed into a decent centre-back over the past couple of seasons.

Tarek Elrich – 5.5

To be honest there was not much wrong with Elrich’s performance although there was not much right either. He coped with the threat of Grant on the overlap well, but failed to provide a threat going forward himself.

 

Keanu Baccus – 5.5

Still very inexperienced and only young, although he isn’t showing many sides of promise, particularly in these bigger games. Shows a great desire and work ethic to win the ball back and be positive in possession, but his distribution is often left wanting.

Rashid Mahazi – 5

Was given the run around all first half by Ninkovic, failing to get tight and stop the Serbian from turning with ease. That didn’t change in the second half and he was hooked with 30 minutes to go.

Jaushua Sotirio – 5.5

Very alive early but just did not have the ruthlessness or cutting edge needed in those dangerous areas. Only lasted fifteen minutes at the start fo the second half and his place could be precarious for next week.

Alexander Baumjohann – 7

Despite a moment in the first half where he swung and missed a backheeled attempt the German was very good, with his distribution excellent. His pass to Sotirio in behind was a particular first half highlight and the winger should have finished it off. Was once again pivotal to the Wanderers getting some control back in the second half.

Roly Bonevacia – 6

Really should have scored after Redmayne’s poor parry went straight to him just past the half hour, but blazed over. Somehow he had a perfectly legitimate goal chalked off which would have had Markus Babbel’s side right back into the contest just before the hour.

Oriol Riera – 5.5

Missed a guilt edge chance to equalise from close range fifteen minutes after Le Fondre’s opener, despite Sotirio’s ball across being slightly behind him. Was frustrated with the service he was getting all night but needs to be much more clinical when the ball does come his way.

SUBS

Bruce Kamau – 6 

Looked lively when he came on and if possible I would like to see him start next week to see what he can do over the course of 90 minutes.

Jordan O’Doherty – 6

Smashed the outside of the post with a sweet strike at 2 – 0 which summed up Western Sydney’s night.

Abraham Majok – N/A

Came on too late to get a rating.