Brisbane Roar emerged winners in a game that was deserved of its top of the table billing.
An early goal from Jamie Maclaren was cancelled out midway through the second-half by an Andreu penalty until Castelen scored a wonderful individual goal to put the Western Sydney Wanderers ahead.
The lead only lasted three minutes when Maclaren equalised with a lovely finish. The game was not finished there however, as Petratos scored the winner two minutes later to take the Roar to equal top of the table.
Brisbane Roar
Michael Theo – 6: A few nervy moments form the veteran goalkeeper. Gave away a clear penalty. Still looks out of form and needs a solid defence in front of him.
Shane Stefanutto – 6: Kept checks on Romeo Castelen in the first half but was at fault for the second half and was beaten again and again throughout the second half as the game went on. Was at fault for the second goal.
Jade North – 7: Goal saving tackle on Castelen and a very solid first half. Looked to be leading the defence well and was driven to improve on past weeks defence lapses.
Daniel Bowles – 7: Was up against a big strong Golgol Mebrahtu and managed the striker well. Kept close to North as they looked to sit a bit deeper but was also at fault for the second half goal as he lost his footing and positioning.
Jack Hingert – 6: Once again linked with Borrello and Petratos to great effect. Played a great cross that led to Jamie Maclaren’s goal.
Corona – 7: Was not afraid to push forward and was key to Brisbane’s possession. Was quicker on the ball than last week and helped to ignite the Brisbane team. His ball for Maclaren’s goal was marvellous to watch.
Matt McKay – 6: The birth of his child looked to give the captain an extra pep in his step. Was all over the field, a true box to box performance but lacked impact in the second half.
Dimitri Petratos – 7: Was lively all game in midfield. Made a couple of piercing runs through the midfield but constantly missed the final pass. Scored a lovely goal in the last few minutes
Thomas Broich – 6.5: Looked at home back in the starting line up. His tendency to cut inside and sometime stay central was not dealt with by the Wanderers defence.
Jamie Maclaren – 9: The speed at which he accelerates, the way he looks to get in behind and his eye for goal makes Maclarena handful for any defender. His two goals tonight will surely give him Socceroos selection for the next squad.
Brandon Borrello – 8.5: Was a nuisance all night for the Wanderers. His youthful speed and agility worked well with Maclaren in the front third.
Substitutes
Steven Lustica – 7: Energised the tiring Brisbane team and did well to hold out the Wanderers.
Henrique – 6: Lovely run from the slippery fish resulted in Petratos’ winning goal. Was back to his best as an impact sub.
Javi Hervas – N/A: Brought on in stoppage time.
Western Sydney Wanderers
Liam Reddy – 6: Not much he could do about any of the goals bar the first. Should have been quicker to the cross.
Scott Jamieson – 6.5: Had some wicked set piece deliveries and was strong in defence, but should have been tracking for Brisbane’s second goal.
Brendan Hamill – 7: Sat back too deep in an attempt to nullify the Roar’s speed up front, just left the team too exposed. Improved immensely throughout the second half.
Alberto Aguilar – 6: An early yellow card inhibited the centre back from forcing his full presence across the field. Was found wanting against the speed of Brisbane’s front three.
Scott Neville – 6: Struggled with the movement of Broich, needed more help from his midfield, and therefore could not push forward as much as he would have liked.
Dimas Delgado – 7: Another player to go into the referee’s book. Could not find a way through Brisbane’s defence.
Andreu – 6.5: Scored a well taken penalty and improved in the second half.
Mitch Nichols – 6: Missed having Dario Vidosic and Mark Bridge up front to play with. Could not find the same connection with Mebrahtu
Jaushua Sotirio – 5.5: Largely non existent throughout the game. Was overshadowed by Castelen’s skill and impact.
Golgol Mebrahtu – 5: Could not shake off the Brisbane defenders who looked to sit deep taking away the advantage of acceleration Mebrahtu posses. Was taken off early after an unsuccessful night.
Romeo Castelen – 8: Was Western Sydney’s brightest spark throughout the game. Looked a constant threat and scored a wonderful individual goal.
Substitutes
Brendon Santalab – 7: Earnt his side the penalty and was a thorn in the side of Brisbane once he entered the game.
Matt Sim – N/A: Unable to make an impact.
Kearyn Baccus – N/A: Came on in the dying stages of the game.
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