Outside90 looks at the top performers in Round 9 of the A-League.
Ante Covic – Goalkeeper – Perth Glory
Despite going down to Adelaide United 1-0 on Sunday evening, Covic produced a strong performance in goals. There was nothing the former Wanderer could do after Pablo Sanchez delicately chipped the rushing goalkeeper. The 40-year-old produced a number of top draw saves that kept his side in the contest as Adelaide went on to win their first game of the season.
Michael Marrone – Right Back – Adelaide United
The ever consistent Marrone produced yet another solid performance for the Reds as they claimed their first victory of the season against Perth Glory at Coopers Stadium. A number of darting runs forward were a highlight of the 28-year-old’s performance as he tried to help his side find a second goal. Marrone made a number of key interceptions to cut out Perth attacks down the wings on a warm evening in Adelaide.
Patrick Kisnorbo – Centre Back – Melbourne City
The Melbourne City skipper returned to the starting line-up after missing the previous match against a struggling Perth Glory side. Kisnorbo’s normal service resumed as his side cruised to a 5-1 win against the Central Coast in the first match of a round which saw many active supporter groups boycott matches around the country. The former Leeds United man was on hand on a number of occasions to cut out numerous Mariners chances.
Nikolai Topor-Stanley – Centre Back – Western Sydney Wanderers
Yet another top performance from the skipper as the Wanderers won 2-1 against the Brisbane Roar, claiming a sixth consecutive victory in the process. A number of key tackles by the 30-year-old were yet again highlights of his performance.
Alex Gersbach – Left Back – Sydney FC
The youngster yet again features in the team of the week after yet another strong performance, ever since returning to the starting side Gersbach has gone from strength to strength. The youngster who describes himself as an attacking fullback displayed why he believes so as he made a number of bombarding runs forward. He linked up well with Andrew Hoole, with strong performance like this it won’t be long before he is called up for Olyroo duty.
Mitch Nichols – Central Midfield – Western Sydney Wanderers
Mitch Nichols continues to grow as a player at the heart of the Wanderers midfield, with his performance on the weekend showing his true potential. Nichols scored an absolute stunner which proved to be the winner in a match with a very different atmosphere at Wanderland. The former Roar man’s passing ability was on full display throughout the match.
Marcelo Carrusca – Central Midfield – Adelaide United
Made a long awaited return to the starting line-up and added a different dimension to the Adelaide United side that had struggled in the first eight games of the season. The Argentinian linked up well with Djite in attack as the Reds got their first win of the season. The 32-year-old even tracked back which proved key in the Reds keeping the Glory out.
Roly Bonevacia – Central Midfield – Wellington Phoenix
One of the key players for the Phoenix as they beat the champions 2-0 in a match with plenty of talking points after the final whistle. The Dutchman shined in the front third and earned a goal for his efforts. Particularly, the 24-year-old dazzled the Victory defence with his tricky feet on a number of occasions.
Harry Novillo – Right Wing – Melbourne City
The flying winger was at his clinical best for the second consecutive week, wreaking havoc on a Mariners defence as City won 5-1 for the second time in as many outings. Novillo finished the match with a brace, with both finishes well taken and put away beyond Mariners keeper Paul Izzo. The former Lyon youngster is hitting his peak ability which is scary for opposition teams.
Roy Krishna – Left Wing – Wellington Phoenix
Krishna scored a goal from the tightest of angles in the win over the Melbourne Victory on Saturday afternoon. The delicate finish demonstrated Krishna’s smarts which have been put on display for most of the season so far. The Fijian’s close dribbling ability made him a handful for the Victory, who looked out of sorts in the first half.
Alex Brosque – Striker – Sydney FC
The Sydney skipper played a true forward’s role as he grabbed the winner in the 1-0 win over the Newcastle Jets. His striking instincts were top notch throughout the match as he looked to play off the shoulder of the Jets’ central defenders. Was a real handful for the back four all night as his side got a second consecutive win.
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