3 minute read
A look at round eight of the A-League, with Robbie Kruse making his mark, Sydney FC taking top spot and Brisbane Roar's resurgence continuing.
THEY SAID IT - "It's a testament to his character. Not a lot of people do that milestone in football in general, let alone at the one club. He epitomises everything that the Victory is about." - Robbie Kruse on Leigh Broxham's 300th A-League game for Melbourne Victory
MAN OF THE ROUND - From the opening minute of Melbourne Victory's big clash with Perth Glory, Robbie Kruse set the tone for a breakthrough win. He clattered Ivan Franjic in the opening minutes, scored the matchwinning goal and was the creative fulcrum throughout in a dominant performance.
BEAT THAT - Adelaide United's Nikola Mileusnic produced a moment that had to be seen to be believed. Almost on the corner of the 18-yard box, he chested a ball down to his left foot and volleyed it into the opposite top corner of the goal. It was hard to know whether he meant the shot or was looking to cross, but it was spectacular nonetheless.
STAT ATTACK - Adam Le Fondre scored two goals against Western United in a matchwinning performance. In scoring his 25th A-League goal, he also overtook Milos Ninkovic (24 A-League goals for Sydney FC), Alessandro Del Piero (24) and Steve Corica (23) to become Sydney's third highest A-League goalscorer and now trails just Alex Brosque (67) and Bobo (42).
TALKING POINT - Adelaide United fans were left fuming when Wellington were awarded a penalty after George Blackwood was adjudged to have tugged the shirt of a marauding Liberato Cacace in the area. It looked to be a soft call but it wasn't overturned and Ulises Davila converted the spot-kick to hand Wellington a 2-1 victory.
UNDER PRESSURE - After a perfect start to the season, the Wanderers have fallen away badly. Markus Babbel's side haven't won since late October and have lost three games on the bounce. Now, they face back-to-back away games.
WHAT'S NEXT? - Winless in more than a month, Perth Glory will face Melbourne City at AAMI Park as they look to get back on track. The resurgent Phoenix will host the Wanderers, while Sydney FC will return home to face Brisbane Roar. Having lost three games on the bounce, Western United will host Melbourne Victory in Geelong on Sunday before Adelaide round out the action with a clash with Newcastle at Coopers Stadium. The Mariners have the bye.
