Goalkeepers rarely get the moment in the sun they deserve. But after a Round of Hyundai A-League action brimming with goalkeeping excellence, the spotlight is on the glovemen today.
Round 10 conjured up several save of the season contenders, not least at ANZ Stadium where Eugene Galekovic wound back the clock.
The 37-year-old produced a stunning series of saves late on Melbourne City’s 2-0 victory over the Western Sydney Wanderers.
Galekovic made six stops on the night, but perhaps the standout from his highlights reel was an outstanding reaction from Alex Baumjohann’s close-range drive.
But Galekovic wasn’t done there. The former Adelaide United man also denied Oriol Riera from the penalty spot to keep the Wanderers at bay and earn City’s fourth clean sheet of the campaign.
TEAM OF THE WEEK: Who made the cut for Round 10’s XI?
TALKING POINTS: Wellington Phoenix show they’re the real deal
ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT: Bosnich leads praise for Galekovic after Wanderers masterclass
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5985020694001
Paul Izzo stars in Adelaide’s smash-and-grab
On any other week, Paul Izzo’s incredible performance for Adelaide United would’ve gone down as the Round’s outstanding display between the sticks.
Izzo, who has been in sensational nick for the Reds this season, was the difference between three points – and potentially zero – in Adelaide’s gusty 2-1 win at Newcastle.
Great outcome for @AdelaideUnited against @NewcastleJetsFC in tough conditions. Paul Izzo should take plenty of credit for that win with some world-class saves! #AUFC
— Jase Kemp (@jasetaylorkemp) December 30, 2018
The Jets fired in a season-high 27 shots at goal throughout the course of the encounter, but Izzo stood tall, making seven saves on the night.
His finest moment came late in the second half, when he showed incredible nerve and athleticism to tip away Dimitri Petratos’ close-range effort as the Newcastle attacker burst through on goal with the scores locked at 1-1.
CATCH THE BEST OF IZZO’S SAVES IN THE HIGHLIGHTS BELOW
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5984558405001
Redmayne and Young’s Kogarah masterclass
Given the magnitude of Izzo and Galekovic’s performances on Sunday and Tuesday, it’s easy to forget the heroics of Andrew Redmayne in Sydney FC’s 2-1 win over Brisbane on Saturday.
In what could be a crucial moment in the Sky Blues’ Premiership defence, Redmayne denied Roar striker Adam Taggart from the spot to help Steve Corica’s side over the line.
Of the 16 penalties which have been faced this season, six have been saved.
Andrew Redmayne's save on Adam Taggart is his first of the season; only Melbourne Victory's Lawrence Thomas has saved multiple penalties with two.#SYDvBRI
— Matt Back (@MattNotFront) December 29, 2018
Redmayne’s opposite number Jamie Young deserves an honourable mention too. The Brisbane shot stopper tallied six saves on the evening, and pulled off a world-class stop from Alex Brosque’s bullet header.
Where would Brisbane be without their Australian-English glove-man?
WATCH ALL THE STUNNING SAVES FROM SYDNEY FC V BRISBANE ROAR BELOW
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5984390014001
Steven Taylor cops one for the team as Phoenix dig in
There’s no surprise the arrival of Steven Taylor has bolstered the commitment and grit on display at Wellington Phoenix.
The full measure of the former Newcastle United man’s devotion was on show when he spectacularly headed Terry Antonis’ long-range drive to safety – not that he knew too much about it.
It was backs-to-the-wall defending like this that helped inspire his Phoenix teammates to a hugely credible 1-1 draw against Melbourne Victory, underlined by a brilliant last-ditch challenge on Antonis by midfielder Michal Kopczynski.
@WgtnPhoenixFC some great games this season to get out of bed for. Been some early starts here in the UK but Rudan's got a great blend of steel and flair and they're a great team to watch. COYN!! #MVCvWEL
— Fareham and Crofton 5th Team (@and_5th) December 28, 2018
Really pleased to see the @WgtnPhoenixFC doing so well! The football community in Wellington deserves it. Rudan clearly the real deal.
— Sam Blackburn (@samblackburn17) December 28, 2018
@WgtnPhoenixFC what a fantastic game. I’m loving this team. The commitment throughout the squad is outstanding #COYNIX
— Donovan Hamilton (@DonovanHamilton) December 29, 2018
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5984107657001
Adam Le Fondre racks up goal-scoring milestone
Goalkeepers may have stolen the show in Hyundai A-League Round 10, but keeping Adam Le Fondre quiet is appearing a near-impossible task.
Sydney FC’s major off-season recruit added his eighth and ninth goals of the season in the Sky Blues’ win over Roar – strikes that brought up his 200th and 201st goals in professional football.
Le Fondre has banged them in across all four divisions of English football since his 2004 debut, and is on course to establish a lasting legacy in the Harbour City.
Great result an awesome penner save from redders to help get the result!! Delighted to score my 200th and 201st career goal tonight! Looking forward to getting to the next milestone!! #SydneyIsSkyBlue pic.twitter.com/ni60nErgLt
— Adam Le Fondre (@A1F1E9) December 29, 2018
