A Red and Black comeback, a brace from Bruno and a little Irish magic – here’s what we learnt from the four games in Hyundai A-League Round 5.
Buying Bruno has been a masterstroke
Five goals in five rounds. And in a team that’s been up and down to say the least. You can’t fault the stocky Uruguayan – he’s one of the trickiest central strikers we’ve seen and an early candidate to push Berisha for the golden boot. Fornaroli’s two goals against the Reds further proof that JVS signing him has been a masterstroke.
Wanderers are finding their mojo
The red and black now sit in sixth after a second win on the spin after dispatching the Jets at Hunter Stadium. You can see it and feel it – the side is taking shape very nicely with attacking midfielder and one-time Socceroo Mitch Nichols clearly relishing his role in Popa’s cultural evolution. In years gone by they would’ve ground down teams – now they play through them. It’s good to watch (and their fans again were class with a crowd of almost 15,000 at Hunter Stadium).
Irish striker is winning hearts
It was always going to be tough for Roy O’Donovan taking the place of club great Matt Simon. But another goal on the weekend (his third in five rounds) shows he might just be the shrewdest buy at the Mariners this season, as they picked up a point at home thanks to the former Sunderland striker’s clever header.
Sydney FC v Roar: not what we thought
A hugely anticipated clash left many neutrals disappointed after both sides shut each other down at a wet Allianz. What it did demonstrate this early in the season is how hard both sides will be to beat at the business end of the season – when it’s all about results.
