Brisbane Roar return to the top of the A-League ladder after seeing off Sydney in a game full of late drama.
An early goal to Filip Holosko was cancelled out by strikes from Dimitri Petratos and Jamie Maclaren. This was until the 87th minute when Holosko found the equaliser for Sydney, only for Henrique to go up the other end a minute later off the kick off an score the winner.
Sydney’s season is now effectively over, while Brisbane sit atop the ladder with Melbourne City and Adelaide United still to play this round.
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Brisbane Roar
Jamie Young – 7: Made a couple of huge saves throughout the game, seems to have pushed Theo out of the starting lineup.
Daniel Bowles – 6.5: Moved to right-back in the absence of Jack Hingert. Had a wonderful long-range strike and kept Carney close.
James Donachie – 6: Grew into the game after struggling in the opening few minutes. Will be better for the game time.
Jade North – 7: It was his header that set up Holosko’s second goal, but apart from that incident, North had a solid game.
Corey Brown – 6: Was quiet in attack tonight but did ok up against Holosko. Looks to have grown into his position after returning to the starting team.
Corona – 8: Combined well with Petratos in midfield and continued to control the game. Made up for the missing McKay and will have a huge say over where Brisbane end up this season.
Steven Lustica – 6: Deputised for McKay and could not quite bring the same level of energy to the Brisbane midfield, did well but needed to do more to force his way permanently into the starting team.
Dimitri Petratos – 9: Scored a goal and got an assist in yet another great performance from the former Sydney FC player. Currently in the form of his life.
Thomas Broich – 6.5: Some of his passes seemed a little off, and struggled to get a comfortable foothold in the game.
Jamie Maclaren – 8: Was being watched on by a scout from a Danish club, scored a simple volley and caused issues for the Sydney defence. Socceroos call-up is around the corner after scoring the most goals in an A-League season by an Australian player with his effort tonight.
Brandon Borrello – 6.5: Did well against Abbas in the first half, had shades of a handball in the lead-up to the second goal, once again linked well with the other attacking players.
Substitutions
Tommy Oar – 7: Reenergised the Brisbane team and looked to really influence the game. Set up the winner for Brisbane after a lovely cross.
Henrique – 7: Scored the winner and played his typical super substitute performance.
Sydney FC
Vedran Janjetovic – 6: A couple of early fumbles from Janjetovic were compounded by a nasty knee to his head from Maclaren. Recovered well.
Rhyan Grant – 6: Played with a lot of energy but could not deal with Broich nor Oar, just looked out of his depth.
Matt Jurman – 7: Made a couple of wonderful last-ditch interceptions to save Sydney. Was a welcome addition back into the Sky Blues team.
Zac Anderson – 6.5: Continued in the starting team and did not have a lot to do in the second half. Could not quite keep up with the speedy Brisbane front line.
Sebastian Ryall – 4: Was substituted early due to injury, not enough time on the to have an impact on the game.
David Carney – 6: Tried to get in behind Brisbane’s defence on multiple occasions, even switched wings, but just couldn’t have an impact.
Brandon O’Neill – 6.5: Tried to influence the midfield but did not get a lot of support from the other players.
Mickael Tavares – 6: Could not quite grasp the Roar midfield, was outclassed by Corona and outplayed by Petratos.
Filip Holosko – 8: Scored two lovely goals. Sydney fans will wish they had seen more performances like these.
Matt Simon – 5.5: Threw himself about all night, causing a nuisance across the field, but just does not compare to the likes of Marc Janko.
George Blackwood – 6: Had a couple of close-range chances but just could not make the most of it. Was denied by a wonderful point-blank save from Young.
Substitutions
Milos Ninkovic – 5: Brought a creative edge to Sydney’s play but could have done more.
Ali Abbas – 7: Entered the game early for the injured Ryall and did well in containing Borrello. Arguably should have started.
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