Outside90 looks at the best performing individuals of the A-League in Round 7.
Mark Birighitti – Goalkeeper – Newcastle Jets
On any other day Adelaide United may have put three or four into the back of the net if it had not been for a red hot Birighitti. Ever since returning from that sickening injury in Round 2, the Jets shot stopper has not put a foot wrong after immediately winning back goalkeeping duties from Ben Kennedy. The 24-year-old produced a number of spectacular saves to ensure a clean sheet and a point secured for Scott Miller’s side.
Manny Muscat – Right Back – Wellington Phoenix
The Phoenix veteran produced a solid performance in defence despite his side going down 2-1 to the Western Sydney Wanderers at Pirtek Stadium in the Saturday twilight fixture. Muscat’s performance was capped off with a neatly taken goal into the bottom corner, whilst eyebrows were raised when the goal was given due to team mate Michael McGlinchey appearing to be in an offside position. The 30-year-old was forced to central defence when Ben Sigmund was came off with an injury and continued his solid performance in the heart of defence.
Nikolai Topor-Stanley – Centre-Back – Western Sydney Wanderers
After a shaky start to the season the Wanderers skipper produced another strong performance at the back. He has comfortably adapted to the Wanderers new style, playing out from the back and displaying all the characteristics of a player in form. The former Jets man sniffed out a number of Phoenix attacks which were critical in the Wanderers fourth consecutive win, which moved them up to third place in the table. A number of trademark clearances were the highlight of his performance.
Matthieu Delpierre – Centre-Back – Melbourne Victory
Ever since getting a consistent run of games from the back half of last season, the big Frenchman has hardly put a foot wrong for the champions. His composure when in possession was on full display once again on Thursday night as the Victory defeated Central Coast 2-1, a result which saw them hold top spot on the table for only 24 hours. He was key in marshalling the troops in the dying stages after the Mariners pulled one back through substitute Matt Sim.
Alex Gersbach – Left Back – Sydney FC
Looked one of the most likely to create for his side with his darting runs forward from full-back. The youngster produced a number of dangerous crosses into the box which proved difficult for the Glory defenders to deal with throughout the match, which was played in scorching temperatures. Gersbach’s constant urgency to get forward is a true testament to the player he is in a match that was very much played at walking pace.
Guilherme Finkler – Central Midfield – Melbourne Victory
With marquee man Besart Berisha being rested it was up to the other three members of the Victory’s attacking quartet to step up, and Finkler did just that. It was a performance from a man playing with a bucket load of confidence. Two goals capped off the performance from the Brazillian as he led his side to a 2-1 win. A well taken free kick was the highlight of the match from the attacking midfielder.
Michael Thwaite – Central Midfield – Perth Glory
Deployed in front of the back four again by coach Kenny Lowe proved to be the correct decision as Thwaite produced yet another strong performance against Sydney FC. The Glory captain broke up the play on numerous occasions as the visitors looked to drive forward in search of a goal. The former Socceroo looked assured on the ball as he searched to drive the play forward. Helped to guarantee a draw when he dropped back into defence in the dying stages of the match.
Richard Garcia – Central Midfield – Perth Glory
Garcia never stopped trying all match despite temperatures in Perth reaching around 35 degrees. He looked the most likely to provide a spark for the home side in a match that ended in a scoreless bore draw. Perhaps had the best chance of the match after a last ditch challenge from Matt Jurman stopped him in his tracks. Performances such as this is what Glory fans will be hoping to see from the veteran throughout the rest of the season.
Kosta Barbarouses – Right Wing – Melbourne Victory
The Victory winger caused trouble for most of the night down the right, frustrating Josh Rose on a number of occasions as he looked to cut down the byline. The Kiwi put a number of dangerous balls into the box but was unfortunately not rewarded with an assist. A performance which reflected the confidence not only in his playing but also with the front four of the champions.
Craig Goodwin – Left Wing – Adelaide United
Playing on both wings throughout the duration of the match Goodwin looked to get into behind the defence on a number of occasions and was unlucky not to be found by team mates more often. Denied late in the game by Mark Birighitti, who produced a superb goalkeeping performance. The former Newcastle Jet created a number of dangerous chances with superb crosses into the box.
Henrique – Striker – Brisbane Roar
Coming off the bench yet again the Slippery Fish produced another magical and decisive moment at Suncorp Stadium in front of the Roar faithful. The Brazillian-born forward displayed great flair after coming on to replace Jamie Maclaren up front, another John Aloisi decision which proved to have a major impact on the result. Henrique’s pressing won the ball back from City’s midfield which resulted in the equaliser after a delicate ball from Thomas Broich.
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