Tomislav Uskok deserves a run in the Mariners’ side
The former Melbourne Knights talisman was operating at a level above Victoria’s National Premier League competition, and quite frankly deserved an A-League contract years ago.
The manner in which Melbourne City were allowed to romp toward a 2-0 lead by halftime was far too simple, a matter that Walmsley and his staff need to resolve. It is as though the attacking talent from opposition teams is not respected as much as the Mariners believe in its own forward options.
Uskok, 24, is a fearsome competitor, an aerial threat at set-pieces with an intelligent defensive style. His qualities are exactly what the Mariners are missing.
City are true contenders
As bad as the Mariners were, this performance helped to underline City’s huge presence as an attacking force. The table reads 23 goals scored in nine matches, no mean feat. The goals against column (16) is a definite concern and coupled with City’s mental fragility at times is a recipe for disaster, but the longer this impressive streak goes on, those doubts will dissipate.
The fitness of captain, Patrick Kisnorbo is a non-negotiable for John van’t Schip’s ambitions for silverware and his presence was noticed tonight despite some early jitters. Squad firepower was weakened with the news of Corey Gameiro’s season-ending anterior cruciate ligament rupture, although van’t Schip is likely to bring in an injury replacement to cover this loss.
Genuine quality or capitalising on a kind run of fixtures? A bit of both. Rarely does a team consecutively play two teams in such poor form. While Glory’s issues are largely down to injuries, the Mariners have failed to show event a remnant of defensive solidity. On both occasions, City capitalised, scoring 10 goals in two matches, an A-League record.
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