Who were the best performers from A-League matchday 3?
Ben Kennedy – Goalkeeper – Newcastle Jets
Called upon last weekend after Mark Birighitti’s sickening injury, the Jets number two did not let his side down as the Newcastle Jets maintained their tremendous home record against the Melbourne Victory, a place where the champions have not won since 2009. Kennedy made a number of terrific saves to keep the Victory out on numerous occasions. A performance such as this certainly gives manager Scott Miller some food for thought with Birighitti set to return over the next couple of weeks.
Paulo Retre – Right-back – Melbourne City
The 22-year-old looked assured at the back as Melbourne City defeated the Central Coast Mariners 3-1 at AAMI Park on Sunday afternoon. The former Australia under-20 international bounced back from a difficult game in the Melbourne Derby, proving to be the best full-back on the pitch in the win. His performance was capped off with an assist displaying great instinct to find Bruno Fornaroli who slotted home his second.
Patrick Kisnorbo – Centre-back – Melbourne City
The City captain made his mark on the match early with an 11th-minute header to open the scoring following a tasty ball from Aaron Mooy. Another solid performance at the heart of the Melbourne City defence from the former Leeds United defender saw him continue his consistent start to the season. He led the defence as any captain should, marshalling his side to defend as a unit.
Alberto Aguilar – Centre-back – Western Sydney Wanderers
Despite being on the losing side in the Sydney Derby, the defender looked assured in his A-League debut. A man who can play in either the heart of defence or in front of the back four made an impressive start to his Wanderers career, looking strong going into challenges both on the ground and in the air. A man with experience from the Spanish first and second divisions will be critical to help the club work their way up the table.
David Carney – Left-back – Newcastle Jets
The man who looked likely to slip into football obscurity has silenced his doubters. Carney scored the winner, and what a goal it was, as the Jets defeated the champions Melbourne Victory 1-0. A player who has won 48 caps for the Socceroos had only moments earlier tested Danny Vukovic with a stinging volley. Given more of a licnese to roam by Scott Miller proved to be the difference in Carney’s performance.
Aaron Mooy – Central-midfield – Melbourne City
Since becoming the new marquee man for his club, Mooy has gone from strength to strength. The Socceroo produced another top draw performance at the heart of the City midfield, producing a delightful assist from a free kick as Kisnorbo headed home. A man who is now being linked with moves to the English Premier League was only millimetres away from an absolute stunning free kick from a very tight angle, something players of FIFA might try.
Ben Kantarovski – Central-midfield – Newcastle Jets
Kantarovski played a key role in midfield for the Jets as they surprised the Melbourne Victory on Friday night. The ex-Australia junior was decisive in started moves forward from midfield. The 23-year-old pushed forward well to support his teammates, particularly as they looked to hit the Victory on the counter-attack.
Michael McGlinchey – Central-midfield – Wellington Phoenix
Produced the magic moment of the match with a stunning free kick that left Brisbane Roar goalkeeper Jamie Young with no hope. McGlinchey was the man of the match in the 3-2 win for the Phoenix as he created a number of chances out of midfield for his side. The 28-year-old showed great touch on the ball throughout the match with his goal the highlight.
Milos Ninkovic – Left-wing – Sydney FC
The new Sydney FC man proved the difference in the latest instalment of the Sydney Derby with his 88th-minute strike handing his side a 1-0 win. The Serbian’s goal was well taken as he put the ball across goal and into the bottom-left corner. The 30-year-old pressured Western Sydney Wanderers right-back Scott Neville down the left-side of attack for the Sky Blues. A player who flew under the radar in the preseason is making his name known around the league.
Richard Garcia – Right-wing – Perth Glory
As the game wore on, Garcia managed to make more of an impact on the game. Having been quiet in the opening two games of the season, the 34-year-old produced two assists for the Glory’s final two goals. Both of the balls which resulted in goals were of perfection from the former Sydney FC man. Garcia, who has won 18 caps for the Socceroos, found more time and space on the wings compared to the early stages of the game and with this time and space his qualities shone through.
Bruno Fornaroli – Striker – Melbourne City
The Uruguayan continued where he left off from the Melbourne Derby with a second half brace as City defeated Central Coast 3-1. His first-time finish put the home side up 2-1 in the 53rd minute before sealing the game with his second in the 72nd minute. The 28-year-old displayed great hold-up play during the game, which is sure to please the City faithful. A major highlight of the day was Fornaroli’s post-match interview with Michael Zappone as he broke out into Spanish.
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