Western Sydney Wanderers returned to the Hyundai A-League summit after a tense 0-0 stalemate with Brisbane Roar.
The Wanderers looked a side carrying the toll of their Sydney Derby exertions seven days earlier as the visiting Queensland side dominated the shot count 17-9 and created the better of the chances.
Brisbane kept Red and Black custodian Daniel Lopar the busier of the two keepers, and went closest to breaking the deadlock when Macaulay Gillesphey’s header was cleared off the line, with Lopar parrying Roy O’Donovan’s rebound.
Western Sydney boss Markus Babbel injected former Hamburg, Eintracht Frankfurt and Mainz forward Nicolai Muller into the fray to spur the hosts into action, but it was Robbie Fowler’s visitors who looked the likelier.
However, as was the case in Round 1 draw with Perth Glory and Round 3 loss to Melbourne Victory, Brisbane were lamenting a lack of execution and are still waiting their first win under the Premier League great.
Key moments
Schwegler blow for hosts
Seven days after the frenetic, breakneck pace of the derby, it was a comparatively measured start at Bankwest Stadium early on – one which was punctured by the departure of Wanderers midfielder Pirmin Schwegler in the 18th minute.
The Swiss international, a true standout for Babbel’s side during October, left the pitch with a suspected calf injury and was replaced by Tass Mourdoukoutas.
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Inman involved as Roar dominate
Brisbane enjoyed the better of a cagey first half, creating several good chances, and Brad Inman was at the heart of it for the visitors. On 20 minutes, Inman forced Lopar to parry his speculative effort, and a good block from Kwame Yeboah prevented Roar’s Australian midfielder from capitalising on a spill from the Wanderers ‘keeper minutes later.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6099935578001
Wanderers clinging on
Brisbane continued to probe after the interval and Robbie Fowler was left wondering how his side did not take the lead on 50 minutes. Gillesphey’s header was blocked off the line by Alex Meier, and when O’Donovan attempted to bury the rebound, Lopar was there to turn it around the post.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6099934552001
Baccus goes close
He already has one spectacular Hyundai A-League goal to his name this season, but it wasn’t to be this time for Keanu Baccus. A rare moment of concern for a Brisbane defence which contained the Wanderers three-pronged attacking trio of Meier, Mitch Duke and Yeboah with relative ease.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6099946128001
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