Early signs are pointing to to Charlie Austin’s complete investment into making his stay Down Under at Brisbane Roar a memorable one after his Isuzu UTE A-League debut.
Austin played 90 minutes in his side’s season opener against Macarthur FC at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday afternoon; it was a game which finished goalless, with both sides putting three shots on target in an evenly-split contest.
In the aftermath of the 0-0 draw, Austin was convinced his side had “battered” Dwight Yorke’s Bulls.
His passionate post-match interview was a clear indication of the former Premier League striker’s willingness to inspire belief within the four walls of the club.
“Nah we battered them, mate,” Austin told Paramount+ post-match. “We battered them first half, battered them second half. They could have scored first half – yeah, our own mistake. The keeper makes a good save from me (in the second half).
“I think we (were) better, the better side overall and disappointing not to come away with three (points).”
Austin took 41 touches, played 30 passes, created a pair of chances and put two of his three shots on target – with Bulls keeper Filip Kurto’s reaction save from a close-range header denying the Roar number nine a dream debut winner.
Winger Carlo Armineto – in his first appearance since joining the club from Perth Glory – looked extremely dangerous out wide, and could become a lethal link-up with Austin should his end product improve.
“I tell you what, look at the bigger picture,” Austin said.
“I don’t care what anyone says about Brisbane Roar and what’s happened over the last (years). We showed today we’re in for the fight, and put in a great performance.”
MATCH REPORT: Roar, Macarthur in A-League Men stalemate
Joel Gould, AAP
An impressive A-League Men debut by Brisbane striker Charlie Austin wasn’t enough to break the deadlock in a scoreless draw with Macarthur FC at Suncorp Stadium to open the season.
The former English Premier League striker looked the most likely player to score on either side and it took a cracking save by Macarthur goalkeeper Filip Kurto to deny one of his precision headers in the second half.
Kurto’s save came minutes after Macarthur had a golden opportunity when striker Anthony Carter had his shot denied by a desperate save by Roar goalkeeper Jordan Holmes.
Both sides created chances but lacked the finesse to finish them off.
It soon became clear that Austin is going to become a crowd favourite with the Roar faithful in his first A-League season.
The 33-year-old, standing at an imposing 188cm, has impressed everyone at the club with his desire to get the Roar back in the finals and his positive influence in the change rooms has been contagious.
He brought that to the table on the field as well.
Austin sent a header just wide of the post in the first half and laid on a superb ball for Joe Knowles but he missed the target.
Roar coach Warren Moon said it was a strong defensive performance by his side.
“We were strong on-the-ball and we created plenty of chances but just not quite there tonight with the final pass, final touch, final shot.
“It was a close but we’ve got to take the point and use it as a building block.”
After winning the Australia Cup last week, Macarthur coach Dwight Yorke said it was always going to be tough to be at their best.
“I’ve been there. I understand that,” the former Manchester United star said.
“When you become winners everyone wants a part of you and that is part and parcel of the game.
“Overall I thought we have done what we needed to do and made sure we didn’t lose the game.
“I felt from a defensive standpoint we were fantastic.”
There were missed opportunities from both sides in an opening half that was frenetic.
Macarthur should have taken the lead late in the half when Carter had a shot inside the box but sent his attempt high above the bar.
The Roar also squandered gift-wrapped chances.
Right wing Riku Danzaki failed to get any power behind one of his shots and Macarthur goalkeeper Filip Kurto had an easier save than he should have.
Macarthur’s Daniel Arzani, who played for Australia at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, was substituted by coach Dwight Yorke on the hour-mark.
Arzani played on the wing and had some nice touches early but was unable to impose himself.
Yorke said Arzani “wasn’t particularly at the races”.
“We saw a glimpse but it wasn’t enough,” he said.
