Sydney FC played through a night of frustration where opportunities were limited for the current best side in the A-League.

Graham Arnold’s comments prior to the clash boded well for Sydney fans, with the two time A-League winner assuring fans the team would bounce back following their weekend loss to the Newcastle Jets.

Sydney barely gave Kashima time to shape in the opening minutes, immediately winning back the ball and seeking to create goal scoring opportunities. For all their crisp and clinical build up Sydney rarely conjured up openings of note in the front third.

Eventually though, a lacklustre affair played out between Sydney and Japanese side Kashima Antlers, with Sydney’s defensive lapses compounding their woes so far in the Asian Champions League campaign.

Sydney FC Player Ratings

Andrew Redmayne 6 —

Rarely tested throughout the match. Both goals were not any fault of his, as the Sydney defence lapsed ensuring Redmayne stranded.

Luke Wilkshire 6 —

Moved in to a left back role and faced well enough up against the opposition. Tired towards the end.

Aaron Calver 5 —

Composed and intercepted well at times, but struggled to stamp his authority on the match.

Alex Wilkinson 6 —

Commanded his defence on numerous occasions and would have been disappointed with his team's momentary losses of focus.

Michael Zullo 6 —

Always looking to move the ball to his forwards from the offset. Pulled up with a hamstring issue early on and had to be taken off.

Brandon O’Neill 5.5 —

Lacked the intensity of his midfield partner, but worked tirelessly to move back and shield his defence. Despite a lacklustre performance, Arnold will be left with a significant hole to fill with O’Neill earning his second yellow of the group stage.

Joshua Brilliante 6.5 —

Fresh from being named in Bert van Marwijk’s preliminary Socceroos squad, it is fair to say that Brilliante was one of Sydney’s best on the night, sending passes everywhere around the pitch and providing relief for his teammates when it was needed.

Alex Brosque 5 —

The Sydney FC captain appeared non-existent in the match, despite a fantastic work ethic, he rarely affected the game.

David Carney 6 —

Came in to the game as a result of Bobo’s introduction and was wily on the wing.

Adrian Mierzejewski 7.5 —

Was Sydney’s brightest player of the night, always testing Sogahata when his team seemed bereft of ideas. Would have had a goal if not for the exceptional reflexes of the Kashima keeper.

Matt Simon 6 —

Caused strain for Kashima and moved well on many occasions to attempt creating some semblance of build-up play for Sydney. Rarely given positive service and was replaced by Bobo as Sydney chased an equaliser.

Substitutes

Paulo Retre 6 —

Subbed early on for the injured Zullo, moving in to a right back position and deputised effectively enough.

Bobo 6 —

Kept to the bench because of a sideline but had to be brought on to influence proceedings. Instantly impacted the game by laying a sharp ball off to Mierzejewski who was unlucky to see his shot brilliantly saved by Sogahata. Beyond that, Bobo was kept quiet.

Anthony Kalik 6 —

Imperious when coming on, seeking to make an impression in a team where his chances are limited.