After a bright start and an early goal, a calamitous error of judgement from Wanderers goalkeeper Vedran Janjetovic undid all their hard work, as the 10 men of Westen Sydney trudged to an inevitable and all-too-familiar defeat against their arch nemesis.
Josh Brillante – 6.5
Booked inside the first 2 minutes for a rash challenge on O’Doherty. Struggled early on both defensively and in possession, but grew into the game after the red card. Crucial contribution for the equaliser as he beat Sotirio from a short corner and struck low and hard against the post.
Brandon O’Neill – 8.5
Deputised admirably at centre back after van der Linden’s withdrawal through injury. Delivered several brilliant balls into the box from set pieces, two of which led directly to goals.
Siem de Jong – 7.5
Initially looked rusty after returning from injury, and splayed a promising free kick high and wide. Nearly found the top corner with a terrific strike from just outside the area. Right place at the right time after Western Sydney failed to clear a corner, and his finish was confident off his weaker left peg.
Pen or no pen? #SydneyDerby pic.twitter.com/Y3T8wtaOkn
— 10 Sport (@10SportAU) 15 December 2018
Milos Ninkovic – 7
Could have been awarded a penalty after being tripped by Ziegler, but his protests went unanswered. Often had the right idea to pick apart the defence, but tended to underhit his passes on a heavy rain-soaked pitch.
Alex Brosque – 7
️⚽️ | Here's Brosquey's equalising strike as we head in all square in the #SydneyDerby at Half Time at @ANZStadium!#WatchWithUs LIVE the second half on @FOXFOOTBALL 505 & @10BoldAU or follow us here for updates...#SydneyIsSkyBlue #ComeWithUs pic.twitter.com/ErO3YKaKH0
— Sydney FC (@SydneyFC) 15 December 2018
Virtually anonymous until his poacher’s finish to equalise on the stroke of halftime. Always a willing worker off the ball.
Adam Le Fondre – 7.5
Lively movement upfront and in the channels, and his quick thinking to strike at goal from the wing got Janjetovic sent off. Swing and a miss before de Jong put away the scraps, and drew a spectacular save out of Nizic with a brilliant header.
SUBS
Paulo Retre – 7
Kept the ball moving in an unfamilar central midfield role. Was unlucky to be left out of the starting XI and was typically diligent if unspectacular when he made his early introduction.
Jacob Tratt – 8
The icing on the cake!
— Hyundai A-League (@ALeague) 15 December 2018
What a return to the @ALeague for Jacob Tratt. #ALeague #SydneyDerby
🎥 @FOXFOOTBALL, @10BoldAU pic.twitter.com/3Isb99pO8r
Finally got his opportunity when Calver cramped up, and sealed the points for the Sky Blues with a bullet header. A dream debut for the Sydney boy.
Daniel De Silva – 6
Clearly keen to impress off the bench, and brought out a few fancy flicks and stepovers to little tangible end product. An exciting talent whose lack of first team opportunities this season is undoubtedly a cause for concern.
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