Summary
Sydney FC 2 (39′ Bobô, 61′ Brillante,) drew w. Western Sydney Wanderers 2 (3′ Riera, 31′ Hamill)
Sydney FC produced a dogged comeback performance to claw back a 2-goal deficit and seize a point in a thrilling Sydney Derby.
The Sky Blues fell behind twice in the first half to efforts from Riera and Hamill, but were able to reduce the arrears through Bobô’s penalty before the break.
The Blue side of Sydney was dominant in the second half and quickly drew level through Brillante’s brilliant finish. Despite creating numerous good chances late in the game, the Sky Blues couldn’t find a breakthrough and the game concluded 2-2.
What They Said
Graham Arnold: “The signs of a Champion team are the ability to fight back, to show the character that we did was fantastic.
“The belief that’s within the team was very positive, we believed we could come back. Second half there only looked like one side winning it, I thought our link up play was quite good and at the end of the day you have to adapt to win the game.
“We had the much better of the second half but we just couldn’t capitalise on our opportunities. It’s early in the season though and we go forward.”
Great come back. So close to getting the winner. #ForzaSydneyFC #SydneyDerby #SydneyIsSkyBlue
— SydneyFC Fan (@COMEONSYDNEY) October 21, 2017
Goals
3’ RIERA: Risdon makes a strong run down the right flank and his cross is met by Riera who’s glancing header nestles into the top corner of the net.
30’ HAMILL: The centre-back meets Cejudo’s in-swinging free-kick at the back post and makes the most of his opportunity, heading Western Sydney into the lead.
39’ BOBÔ: Carney is bundled over by Herd in the Wanderer’s box and the referee immediately blows for a penalty. Bobô keeps his composure in front of the Western Sydney fans, sending Jantjetovic the wrong way and bringing Sydney back into the game
61’ BRILLANTE: The Sky Blues break out of their own half through Ninković who is brought down by Herd but not before laying the ball off to Brosque. Brosque carries it forward before passing to Bobô who assesses his options before playing the ball to Brillante inside the box. The Australian midfielder’s shot glances off the inside of Llorente’s leg, carrying it past the despairing fingertips of Jantjetovic.
Key Moments
5’ BOBÔ’S SHOT BLOCKED: a powerful run by Brosque into the Wanderer’s penalty area see’s the ball emerge at Bobô’s feet, but the Brazilian strikers effort is blocked by a Western Sydney defender.
45+2’ BOBÔ SHOT: Ninković and Zullo combine well down the left flank, the latter finding Bobô with a pass into the box. The Brazilian is able to turn and produces a dangerous shot that is deflected just wide of the upright.
48’ ZULLO SHOT: Carney cuts inside and splays the ball across the field to Ninković. The Serbian playmaker sees Zullo’s overlapping run and finds him with a delightful reverse pass but the goalkeeper palms away the full-backs powerful effort.
57’ BONEVACIA WIDE: Cejudo breaks down the left flank and cuts the ball back for Bonevacia on the penalty spot, but the attacking midfielder side-foots the ball wide.
64’ CARNEY CHANCE: Sydney FC is in the ascendancy and they profit from some lax Western Sydney defending to craft another chance, Carney having his goal-bound shot blocked.
66’ BOBÔ POWERFUL STRIKE: Brosque does well to bring down a long ball and lay it off to Bobô. The Brazilian striker shoots with his first touch, a rasping shot that flies directly into the grasp of the goalkeeper.
71’ BRILLANTE LOB: Brillante plays a one-two with Carney, attempting to lob Jantjetovic with his first touch. The ball seems to hang in the air for an eternity but it eventually lands on the roof of the net.
79’ BACCUS SHOT: A Wanderers’ corner runs all the way through to Baccus lurking on the edge of the box. He has a pop at goal and goes close to testing Redmayne.
90’ SIMON HEADER: Simon towers above his marker to meet Ninković’s dinked cross, but his powerful header is inches wide of the post.
That's a wrap! @SydneyFC and the @wswanderersfc finish up at 2-2 after the #SydneyDerby. Thanks to the 34,810 fans here tonight. pic.twitter.com/lsX9eiAYLz
— Allianz Stadium (@AllianzStadium) October 21, 2017
Team News
Sydney FC 2 (39′ Bobô, 61′ Brillante,) drew w. Western Sydney Wanderers 2 (3′ Riera, 31′ Hamill)
Adrian Mierzejewski is left out of the match day squad due to injury. David Carney takes his place in the starting 11 while Anthony Kalik is on the bench.
Ground: Allianz Stadium
Attendance: 34,810
Referee: Jarred Gillett
Sydney FC: 1. Andrew REDMAYNE (GK), 4. Alexander WILKINSON, 5. Jordy BUIJS, 6. Joshua BRILLANTE, 7. Michael ZULLO, 9. BOBÔ, 10. Miloš NINKOVIĆ, 13. Brandon O’NEILL, 14. Alex BROSQUE (18. Matt SIMON, 81’), 17. David CARNEY (16. Anthony KALIK, 81’), 26. Luke WILKSHIRE.
Subs Not Used: 30. Tom HEWARD-BELLE (GK), 8. Paulo RETRE, 22. Sebastian RYALL.
Yellow Card(s): Brosque 58’
Red Card(s): N/A
Western Sydney Wanderers: 20. Vedran JANTJETOVIC (GK), 4. Joshua RISDON, 5. Brendan HAMILL, 8. Rolieny BONEVACIA, 9. Oriol RIERA (11. Brendon Santalab, 85’), 10. Alvaro CEJUDO, 15. Kearyn BACCUS (6. Jacob MELLING, 90+3’), 18. Robert CORNTHWAITE, 19. Mark BRIDGE, 24. Raul Llorente, 25. Chris HERD.
Subs Not Used: 30. John HALL (GK), 14. Jumpei KUSUKAMI, 22. Jonathan ASPROPOTAMITIS.
Yellow Card(s): Riera 37’, Herd 62’
Red Card(s): N/A
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