3 minute read
A Snapshot of the third week of the A-League Men's season as Macarthur continue their unbeaten run while Sydney FC, Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City lost.
THEY SAID IT: "Ask us if this is proper preparation for an elite team in this league when others aren't doing it. Is that an even playing field?" - Brisbane coach Warren Moon was not happy with the scheduling after the Roar's first home game of the season. Moon's side flew to and from Melbourne on the same day to face City and Victory in the first two weeks of the season and they'll have to repeat that against Western United this weekend.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Newcastle forward Valentino Yuel is averaging a goal every 57 minutes and was in inspired form. The forward has yet to play the full 90 minutes for Arthur Papas but already has three goals to his name after his eight-minute double against Sydney FC helped the Jets snatch a 2-2 draw.
BEAT THAT: Antonee Burke-Gilroy's swerving 25-yard effort to give Perth Glory their opening goal in their 3-0 win over Melbourne Victory was a thing of beauty. Victory goalkeeper Ivan Kelava had no chance of stopping it rippling the back of the net.
STAT ATTACK: Macarthur FC have yet to concede from open play and remain undefeated to start the season following a 1-0 win over the Central Coast Mariners.
TALKING POINT: Sydney FC's winless start to the campaign. The Sky Blues did at least score two goals after being kept to nil in their two openers but were stunned by Newcastle's comeback at Kogarah Oval. Steve Corica was left to rue the officiating that resulted in Adam Le Fondre's goal being chalked off for offside late on.
UNDER PRESSURE: Reigning champions Melbourne City have had a stuttering start to their title defence with one win, one draw and one loss, which came against Western United as their star-studded attack is yet to click. But after overcoming a difficult run last season to complete the premiership-championship double, coach Patrick Kisnorbo won't be panicking.
UP NEXT: Melbourne City host Perth on Wednesday before Wellington travel to Newcastle on Friday. On Saturday, Brisbane must head to Victoria once more as they face Western United, with Adelaide and Western Sydney hosting Melbourne Victory and Macarthur FC respectively. Sydney's trip to the Central Coast wraps up the weekend's action on Sunday.