Goals aplenty, big upsets and rollicking victories were the features of Round 19 as the final third of the Hyundai A-League season arrived.
There was a brace in Perth and a penalty save in Adelaide, which formed part of multiple top goalkeeping performances.
So which players were the statistical standouts?
Opta reveals all.
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Adelaide United – Ryan Kitto
Ryan Kitto’s impressive return to the starting XI provided a silver lining to the injury Nikola Mileusnic sustained against Melbourne City a week earlier.
His awareness in the box to slot home just before half-time handed Adelaide United a way back into the match against Western Sydney Wanderers, and while they were unable to go on, the attacker emerged from the match with his squad status strengthened.
Kitto provided three chances to go with his goal on Saturday.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6002897988001
Brisbane Roar – Eric Bautheac
On a rough night for Brisbane Roar, Eric Bautheac at least offered a measure of attacking impetus.
The French winger registered team-high tallies for crosses (nine) and chances created (three) at HBF Park.
Central Coast Mariners – Ben Kennedy
Leichhardt Oval clearly suited Ben Kennedy as a first-time Hyundai A-League venue.
The 32-year-old goalkeeper was back to his best for Central Coast Mariners, frustrating Sydney FC time and again with a series of impressive stops.
His seven saves were the most of Round 19 and included six from shots inside the box.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6003078095001
Melbourne City – Jamie Maclaren
Jamie Maclaren joined illustrious company when he netted against Newcastle.
The ex-Roar and Glory striker became just the second player to score in each of their first two matches for Melbourne City, following David Villa into the history books.
Only one other man managed as many shots as Maclaren’s four at McDonald Jones Stadium.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6002533623001
Melbourne Victory – Leigh Broxham
There’s just no job too small for Leigh Broxham.
Even as a defender, Melbourne Victory’s ever-reliable Swiss army knife found the opportunity to get forward and win the penalty which helped secure a point away to Wellington Phoenix.
For good measure, Broxham also blocked a shot and made the second-most passes for his team (45).
Newcastle Jets – Jair
Having previously dipped below expectations, Jair took his chance for an undermanned Newcastle Jets on Friday.
The Brazilian played his best game for the club, crucially opening the scoring with one of his two shots on target.
Perhaps even more impressively, the import attacker was dogged enough to contest no fewer than 21 duels, the third-most of Round 19.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6002514485001
Perth Glory – Diego Castro
It’s almost unfair for opposition teams to have to simultaneously contain Diego Castro, Chris Ikonomidis and Andy Keogh.
An overpowered Roar were ultimately unable to handle any of those spinning plates, with the Spaniard responsible for the bulk of the damage.
Castro contributed a team-high 93 touches, a round-high seven scoring chances, laid on an assist for Andy Keogh and scored one himself.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6002922386001
Sydney FC – Michael Zullo
Sydney FC’s frustration with an undesirable result against Central Coast might have been more severe if not for Michael Zullo.
The left-back made nine crosses from play, the most of any defender.
He was also the only player among Steve Corica’s troops to block a shot.
Wellington Phoenix – Roy Krishna
After missing an important penalty eight days earlier, Roy Krishna picked himself up to score a terrific goal against Victory in Auckland.
The thumping close-range strike was one of two shots the striker posted in a fine performance for Wellington Phoenix.
Krishna, who is one goal shy of Golden Boot leader Adam Le Fondre, also won both of the two tackles he contested.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6002484798001
Western Sydney Wanderers – Roly Bonevacia
No surprise here.
Roly Bonevacia was simply brilliant against Adelaide, his game-changing goal embellished by a stat sheet reading two assists, five chances created and a round-high four shots on target.
The catalyst for his club’s second straight victory simply did a bit of everything in attack.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6002903869001
