Brisbane Roar interim coach Darren Davies believes his side were unfortunate not to leave AAMI Park with at least a point following their 1-0 loss to Melbourne City on Friday night.
Round 13 of the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 Season kicked off with a tight affair, the deadlock broken on 52 minutes when Ritchie de Laet ghosted into the box and steered home Rostyn Griffiths’ laser-sharp delivery.
ANALYSIS: City match-winner De Laet the symbol of Joyce’s unconventional Premiership bid
FULL-TIME HIGHLIGHTS: Melbourne City v Brisbane Roar
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5988345529001
Brisbane Roar came into Round 13 on a seven-match winless streak and, according to Davies, were the better side overall on Friday night.
“I think we didn’t pass the ball as well as we may have wanted to, but I think we’ve still out-possessed them away from home and still out-passed them,” said Davies.
“I think we created some very good chances and we deserved a point from this evening’s game.
“So as far as the result is concerned: Bitterly disappointed we haven’t gotten a result here.”
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5988297854001
The opening stages were dominated by Melbourne City as Warren Joyce’s side came out all guns blazing.
Despite the opening spell of possession, and with the majority of proceedings seemingly being played in Brisbane’s half, City were unable to convert their opportunities.
Davies acknowledged this early onslaught by City, but defended his side’s character to hold on and attempts to get back into the game.
“A lot of them (chances) were from set-pieces,” said Davies.
“They created a little bit of pressure from the amount of corners we conceded early on — there was one that flashed past the six-yard box, but the perception was that (City dominated) because the pressure was building from the corners.
“We knew it was going to be a battle though, they’re in the top four and we’re coming down here fighting for our lives.
“We weathered the storm for 20 minutes, after 20 minutes I thought we came into the game, we started to pass the ball around.”
Things don’t get much easier for Brisbane Roar as they host Melbourne Victory on Tuesday night.
Kevin Muscat’s side will be looking to get back to winning ways after Adelaide United snapped their unbeaten streak, but first they must host their grand final rivals Newcastle Jets on Saturday night.
