Football returned to the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday night as the first Sydney Derby of the season took place between the Sky Blues and Western Sydney Wanderers with Sydney once again prevailing over their cross-town rivals.
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
Sky Blue skipper Alex Brosque scores in his 200th game for @SydneyFC!
— Hyundai A-League (@ALeague) 27 October 2018
📹: @FOXFOOTBALL#SydneyDerby #ALeague pic.twitter.com/TMv6dp9Mnt
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
Adam Le Fondre scores the first ever Hyundai @ALeague goal at the SCG with the #SydneyDerby opener!
— Hyundai A-League (@ALeague) 27 October 2018
📺: Watch LIVE on @FOXFOOTBALL 505, @tensporttv, the My Football Live app or TenPlay.#ALeague #WhereHeroesAreMade pic.twitter.com/TATkM0usJg
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.
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