Despite applying endless pressure on the Shanghai defence, Sydney just could not get through.

Adrian Mierzejewski was absolutely untouchable in the first twenty minutes. It was like watching a grown man play against boys. He put it on a platter for so many of his team mates. So many. And they squandered all of these chances and the game got harder for the Pole with every minute.

If we were rating the Shanghai defenders they’d all be getting over 8. They defended as if their lives depended on it, which is weird because it didn’t.  

Sydney FC

Andrew Redmayne – 6 he could have been replaced with a witch’s hat. He occasionally touched it with his feet and distributed well.

Michael Zullo – 6 lost his footing on a couple of occasions but got himself forward well and created a few chances.

Ben Warland – 7.5 he has been excellent since coming into the team. Tonight was no exception. He cleaned up a lot of loose balls and his forward passes were quick and incisive.

Alex Wilkinson – 6 not much defending for him to do tonight. He nearly broke the deadlock with a good strike but it wasn’t meant to be.

Luke Wilkshire – 6 pushed hard early on and should have had a goal. Ran out of legs though.

Joshua Brillante – 4.5 lost possession with some very poor passes. He had a few nice efforts from outside the box but he’ll be disappointed in his performance tonight. It didn’t cost his team anything on this occasion but he’ll need to do better in the finals.

Brandon O’Neill – 6.5 he was in the wars a bit. The Chinese kicked him a few times but he had the composure to deal with it and dictate the play.  

Milos Ninkovic – 5.5 a frustrating night for the Serb. He found some space and combined well with Mierzejewski a few times but he couldn’t get the ball where it counted.

Adrian Mierzejewski – 9 absolutely unplayable. He should have had five assists in the first half alone. Did everything except find the net.

Alex Brosque – 6.5 he had a couple of chances but it just wasn’t his night.   

Bobo – 5 he has been so deadly this season but tonight the Chinese only found him mildly uncomfortable.  

Subs

David Carney – 5 made a nuisance of himself and fashioned a few chances.

Matt Simon – 5.5 he made a real difference when he came on. The result might have been different if he had have come on a little earlier.

Paulo Retre 5 – a good effort.