Brayden May selects our A-League team of the week for matchday eight.
Andrew Redmayne – Goalkeeper – Western Sydney Wanderers
Redmayne produced a number of key saves as he helped his side to a 2-0 win over the Central Coast Mariners on Sunday afternoon. His performance was highlighted by a crucial save in the dying stages of the match to deny the Mariners an equaliser. This save demonstrated his ability to keep a high level of concentration throughout the match, an element of goalkeeping which is crucial late in matches.
Jason Geria – Right-back – Melbourne Victory
The Olyroo produced a solid performance for the champions as they moved equal top of the league after seven games following a 2-1 win over ‘original’ rivals Adelaide United. Geria produced a number of vital interceptions down Adelaide’s left side. The Olyroo won the penalty that Besart Berisha converted to open the scoring at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.
Lachlan Jackson – Centre-back – Newcastle Jets
Coming into the side following an injury to skipper Nigel Boogaard, Jackson produced a performance that he will hope kick-starts his season. Playing against his old club in the Brisbane Roar, the youngster was crucial in keeping the visitors out for a second time after they had earlier beaten goalkeeper Mark Birighitti. His goal-bound header was critical in the dying stages as it led to the Jets levelling the match.
Manny Muscat – Centre-back – Wellington Phoenix
Moved into the centre of defence to cover for the injured Ben Sigmund this week by coach Ernie Merrick, Muscat stood tall as his side kept a clean sheet in a stop-start affair against Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium. The 30-year-old displayed great composure on the ball as he looked to play out from the back. Muscat was key to snuffing out a number of Sydney chances.
Scott Neville – Left-back – Western Sydney Wanderers
Neville produced one of his better performances of the season as the Wanderers cruised to a 2-0 win over the Central Coast Mariners courtesy of goals from substitute Brendan Sanatalab and Mitch Nichols. The former Newcastle Jets man was key in launching numerous pushes forward down the wings and made a number of impressive challenges to sniff out a number of wide attacks.
Aaron Mooy – Central-midfield – Melbourne City
Is there anything this man can’t do right now? Mooy produced yet another sublime performance as City romped to a 5-1 win over a disappointing Perth Glory in Melbourne at AAMI Park. Mooy played a direct role in four of the five goals, including his own with a neatly taken penalty sending the ball into the bottom right corner. With performances like these, the Socceroo will continue to put European clubs on notice.
Rashid Mahazi – Central-midfield – Melbourne Victory
After a strong performance last week, Mahazi held his place in the starting XI over returning skipper Carl Valeri. Kevin Muscat’s choice paid off as Mahazi produced another strong performance alongside Oliver Bozanic. Another strong performance by the former Northcote City man will give Muscat further selection headaches going into future matches.
Erik Paartalu – Central-midfield – Melbourne City
A man who bossed the game in midfield in City’s romp of the Glory certainly warranted a place in the team of the week. He threatened on most occasions from set pieces with his height but his positioning was the key. Paartalu grabbed himself a goal to cap off his performance in a dominant side with a well placed header after a great delievery from Mooy.
Romeo Castelen – Right-wing – Western Sydney Wanderers
Castelen produced an exhilarating performance as his side won 2-0 away to the Central Coast Mariners on Sunday afternoon. The Dutchman produced a number of darting runs at the Mariners defence which sometimes lacked the conviction needed to finish the opportunity; Castelen can count himself unlucky not to have scored. The ex-Hamburg man was at his most dangerous when cutting inside from the wing.
Harry Novillo – Left-wing – Melbourne City
The Frenchman was at his dangerous best, looking like he was going to create something every time he got on the ball. The former Lyon youngster was able to grab himself a goal from outside of the box with a well placed shot into the top corner. His speed and athleticism created numerous problems for the Glory defence who struggled throughout the night.
Bruno Fornaroli – Striker – Melbourne City
Another man who just seems to be getting better as the season continues. Only eight rounds into the new season and it could be argued he has had the greatest impact of all the imports this season so ar. The Uruguayan played another exceptional match as he notched a brace. His dribbling ability was on full display which continues to dazzle opponents.
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