Hyundai A-League Round 3: 4 things we learnt

In the A-League we witnessed a huge Sydney Derby, a Hunter boilover with a Carney cracker to boot and a glorious end to the week in Perth – here’s what we learnt from Round 4.

The Sydney Derby is only getter bigger (and louder)

There was a point in Saturday night’s arm-wrestle of a Sydney Derby when you couldn’t hear yourself think. The call and response from both sets of sides elevated the noise levels to ridiculous levels. It was outstanding. And with it sold out yet again, the appetite for this marquee event continues to consume fans in the Harbour City.

Milos Ninkovic netted the winner late on for Sydney FC.

Bogey questions for Muscat to continue

Kevin Muscat might not admit it, but the Hunter club haunt the Champions. So irksome questions from journos won’t go away after the Jets’ clinical 1-0 win on Friday night over Melbourne Victory.  That said, it does help when you have JP de Marigny on your coaching staff – the Jets assistant knows the Victory game-plan to a tee, helping Scott Miller’s men to their second win from three seeing them placed in fourth after three rounds.  

Jets star David Carney celebrates after scoring against Melbourne Victory.

Aaron Mooy is destined for huge things

If he stays all season, the Socceroo is surely a contender for the A-League player of the year. In City’s 3-1 win over the Mariners, the clever playmaker was once again influential. He does the heavy lifting but always wants the ball and is creative and dangerous whenever on the ball.  It’s so pleasing to see young Aussies – add Brandon O’Neill from Sydney FC to that list – in the A-League this season showing how we are developing as a football nation. Enjoy Mooy while you can A-League fans. He’s worth the entry fee alone.

Aaron Mooy came up with the winner against former club Western Sydney

Bottom side are tops 

At the end of Round 3, Wanderers are bottom of the A-League – Sydney FC are top. While it may make sweet reading for those who follow #SydneyIsSkyBlue, it’s puzzling for the neutrals. Put simply, Wanderers are playing some great football, they dominated the Derby and have a very good squad. Sometimes football doesn’t add up and right now, the red and black are way better than their position suggests.