Melbourne City’s jaw-dropping performance to thrash Newcastle Jets was the pick of the weekend’s performances but how many of their players made a-league.com.au’s Team of the Week?
Perth Glory – especially there defenders – were also impressive in their win over the Wanderers, while Western United FC are up to third after their rousing win in Brisbane.
Time to take a look at the line-up, which rolls out in a 4-3-3 formation
Goalkeeper
Tom Glover (Melbourne City)
A few eyebrows were raised when Erick Mombaerts opted to drop Dean Bouzanis to the bench and bring 21-year-old Glover into his starting side for the clash with the Jets.
But the Frenchman’s decision was vindicated by a flawless display by the former Tottenham Hotspur Academy player.
While his attacking teammates stole the show, Glover put in an assured display, doing everything that was asked of him immaculately in the Hunter.
Defenders
Aaron Calver (Western United FC)
The 23-year-old defender produced a standout showing in a rare start on Friday night in Brisbane.
His well-timed run down the right flank saw him deliver the cross for Besart Berisha’s first-half strike, but it was an efficient defensive showing that further caught the eye.
Playing in an unfamiliar wing-back role, Calver led United by winning all three of his tackles, and leading their returns in interceptions and clearances, doing more than his share to see his side to their first clean sheet since the opening round.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6115531647001
Gregory Wuthrich (Perth Glory)
The big Swiss defender showed he has adapted to the Hyundai A-League with a cool-headed performance in Perth’s high heat on Saturday night.
The centre-half, teaming with Alex Grant, proved near impenetrable as he helped guide his side to back-to-back wins and their second consecutive clean sheet.
Of course, he also scored his first ever goal in the competition – an unexpected early Christmas present for visiting family watching on in the stands.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6115818087001
Alex Grant (Perth Glory)
Another Glory defender that made his mark on the score sheet in their first home win of the season.
While his classy control and deadly finish were more Fornaroli-esque with each replay, it was the temerity of his defending that really laid the platform for Perth’s shut-out of the Wanderers.
The 25-year-old lead the Glory in tackles won (3), duels won (9) and clearances (9) – and proved tireless to the end to see off a desperate late push from the visitors.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6115826585001
Connor Pain (Western United FC)
With his side chasing back-to-back wins, Pain proved quietly efficient for Mark Rudan’s outfit as a left wing-back.
His 10th minute opener – a classy finish on the slide at the back post – was his first for his new club, but his tireless efforts in defence were also key to frustrating the Roar attack.
He had 49 touches of the ball and produced six defensive clearances in a 90 minute performance that proved crucial to his team’s clean sheet.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6115526595001
Midfielders
Alessandro Diamanti (Western United)
The Italian was back to his best on Friday night as he lead Western United to their first-ever interstate win against the Roar.
The unmatched guile of his passing game was on display early with a pint-point cross to the back post for Connor Pain’s opener, while he was also instrumental in the build-up to his side’s second.
However, it is the joie de vivre that accompanies his every touch and tackle that makes him so compelling to watch. Fox Sports commentator Simon Hill was effusive in his praise for Diamanti as he left the pitch in injury time, “Well might he smile. He is loving life in Australia and the A-League.”
Alexander Baumjohann (Sydney FC)
While it wasn’t the Sky Blues’ most fluent display of the campaign, Baumjohann still provided plenty of magic moments in the win over the Mariners.
Always seeming to find pockets of space on the right of midfield, the German was the creator of most of the Sky Blues best moments, including the opening goal where his release to Rhyan Grant ended in Kosta Barbarouses’ winner.
Baumjohann continues to improve every week which is great news for Sky Blues boss Steve Corica, especially with Milos Ninkovic picking up an injury on Saturday night.
Cameron Devlin (Wellington Phoenix)
Making his first start for the Phoenix, Devlin was outstanding as his side picked up another hard-fought draw against Melbourne Victory.
Despite being just 21, Devlin dominated the midfield battle against the likes of high-profile Victory imports Migjen Basha and Jakob Poulsen.
Devlin, deputising for the injured Alex Rufer, made a game-high 125 touches and finished with a passing accuracy of a shade under 90%.
Forwards
Javier Cabrera (Melbourne City)
It’s taken a little time for Cabrera to adapt to the Hyundai A-League but he looked right at home in City’s demolition of the Jets.
The home side had no answer to his movement, trickery and pace down the right, scoring one goal and laying on an assist for Jamie Maclaren in a sublime display.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6115938255001
Adrian Luna (Melbourne City)
Just like his compatriot Cabrera, Luna had his best match in City colours in the Hunter.
Restored to the starting side on Sunday evening, Luna took the chance with both hands scoring twice in the first half to set-up his side’s resounding win over a listless Newcastle.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6115931235001
Jamie Maclaren (Melbourne City)
Completing our all-City front-three, Maclaren gets in on the back of his historic goal.
While he took a back-seat to his South American teammates, Maclaren was still a constant menace and got the goal his all-round display deserved.
Maclaren’s goal was his 10th of the campaign from just six matches, becoming the fastest player to double figures in Hyundai A-League history.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6115941074001
