The Jets were content to let Sydney control the play and hit on the counterattack and it was a tactic that paid dividends throughout the match. Newcastle took the lead twice, once through some counterattacking play and once through a corner. 

However, Sydney’s VISA contingent simply cannot be contained for long. Ninkovic went for a gorgeous little dance in the box and Mierzejewski and Bobo combined for the second. 

I think the referee deserves a shout out for some great advantages. Nine out of ten. Super impressive, especially considering most A-League referees usually rate in the negatives.

Sydney FC

Andrew Redmayne - 6  

Dealt well with a few rough backpasses. Couldn’t do anything better for the Newcastle goals. Wasn’t tested enough with the Jets putting some promising openings high and wide.  

Luke Wilkshire - 5.5

Made some good forays forward but he was unable to stop Champness from getting man-of-the-match.

Jordy Buijs - 6

Sydney’s back two could have dealt with Newcastle’s forwards a bit better. Maybe he was guilty of trying too hard tonight, Sydney have a big decision to make in regards to who out of their VISA contingent makes the cut for the ACL. Buijs was turned a few times after he got too close to Nabbout. He just needed to back off a bit.  

Alex Wilkinson - 6

Similar story to Buijs except that Wilkinson was a little bit more composed. Knows his role in the team is to just play O’Neill as often as possible.

Michael Zullo - 6.5

Had a few early chances he would want to take again. Hoffman was the quietest of the Newcastle forwards so maybe Zullo can take some credit there, although the Jets forwards move around a lot.