Hyundai A-League talking points

​After another fabulous weekend of football, Round 2 had plenty to ponder. Here are five talking points.

Hyundai A-League Team of the Week: RD 2

Are we seeing a shift in power in Melbourne?

Are we seeing the beginning of a new era of dominance in Melbourne? It was extraordinary to see Victory brushed aside so easily in the derby. 

Yes, it’s just one game but City you sense are ready to take it to the next level in Melbourne, and with Tim Cahill they have a winner who desperately wants success and brings his winning mentality to the group. 

Everything looks in place for a successful season at City, though Victory have a chance to regain bragging rights with a blockbuster FFA Cup semi final next week against the unbeaten City. 

Then again, City will view that as another chance to show Victory they are the new boss in town. 

Sky Blues the real deal?

Perhaps it’s too early to tell, given the opposition thus far. But eight goals so far and none conceded suggest the recruitment has been spot on.

The balance across the park, the depth, they can score and are dominant down back and creative in midfield. It all just feels right.

A flawless start but December 9 should be a true guide. Mark that date down. It’s a Friday night. And it’s when Sydney FC host Tim Cahill’s Melbourne City. 

That’ll answer the question of whether Sydney FC are genuinely the real deal this season.

Time to put money on the Jets?

Could we be seeing a Leicester unfold in Australia? It’d be some story if the Jets could continue on their merry way with their rookie coach. Just making the Finals Series would be an achievement. Perhaps time to look at those odds for a top six spot?

Is it City’s year?

Like Sydney FC, it’s perhaps a tad too early to be looking ahead. 

But Victory are a powerful side, and they were brushed aside, make to look second best in virtually every aspect of the Melbourne Derby. 

Like Sydney, City have depth, look solid defensively and have a duo up front that can play off each other with devastating effect (Cahill and Fornaroli versus Holosko and Bobo). Plus City have pace wide and ingenuity in the centre of the park. 

City are 100% after two games and with the squad they have, are clear favourites for the title along with Sydney FC. 

Is Santa the greatest super sub in the A-League?

Brendon Santalab is remarkable. 

While the Reds may disagree (after his crunching tackle on James Holland even had Gui Amor up in arms) is there a substitute who is more deadly when coming on than the fresh-faced 34-year-old? 

He came on to change the game, and along with Nico Martinez, “Santa” did just that for Wanderers with his two expertly taken goals.