Jair comeback fails to inspire

Considering that Sydney is the most difficult destination for any A-League team to travel at the moment, it’s harsh to be too critical of the performance of the Mariners or the returning forward Jair.

In his first game back, the former Newcastle Jets player was feeding off scraps for the majority of the game. Jair was an isolated figure up the field as the rest of the Mariners squad set up not to concede with very few threats on the counter.

He had one big chance in the first half when bright winger Samuel Silvera dribbled past Joel King and squared a cross for Jair in the six-yard box only for the forward to put it agonisingly wide.

He was subbed off early into the second half as he continues to regain his stamina after being out of the game following his departure from the Jets.

The signing is a bit of a curious decision in the first place. He lined up as the sole striker today, later being substituted for Matt Simon. However, the introduction of the Brazilian might push Jordan Murray out of the squad long term, after he ,issed this clash because of a concussion last week.

Tonight, there was perhaps enough there to show that Jair might have the quality to make an impact for Alen Stajcic’s side, but he will need to show a  more finishing quality for the few chances the Mariners will make this season.

Brattan adapting to Sydney life seamlessly

Brattan has had to adapt to a new role at Sydney this season from what he played last season with Melbourne City.

Under Corica, Brattan sits at the base of midfield, sometimes dropping into a back three in possession as he looks to influence the early phases of Sky Blues possession.

Under City, Brattan was a far more attacking player who regularly got into the box and was a legitimate goalscoring threat.

Even with him playing on the opposite end of midfield, Brattan has proven to be just as adept from his deeper role. He was the one that initially started the play for Sydney’s only goal with his long ball, and he showed a similar intent throughout the whole match.

While stars such as Ninkovic and Adam Le Fondre might be dominating the scoresheet, it is Brattan who is quietly playing his role to perfection as the unsung Sydney hero.