Adelaide United’s remarkable resurgence extended to eight games unbeaten with a 4-1 trouncing over a hapless Brisbane Roar side at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.
A Bruce Djite brace, an own goal and a sumptuous strike from Marcelo Carrusca rendered Henrique’s controversial penalty insignificant as the Reds strolled to their third consecutive victory and consign the league leaders to back-to-back humiliating defeats.
The visitors opened the scoring when Craig Goodwin’s exceptional low-driven cross was met by Pablo Sanchez, who initially saw his shot saved by gloveman Michael Theo, before ricocheting off defender Corey Brown.
Henrique tried to find an equaliser for the hosts before half time, but his deflected attempted landed comfortably into the hands of Eugene Galekovic.
However, Henrique soon restored parity courtesy of a contentious spot kick with replays suggesting there was minimal contact on the Brazilian to warrant him going to ground from Isaias’ challenge.
The away outfit were then awarded a penalty minutes later, following a patent shove on Dylan McGoan as Bruce Djite ended a 21 match goal drought in the A-League, successfully converting the ensuing spot-kick.
No sooner had Djite ended his barren run, the striker netted his second after latching on to an incisive through ball from Tarek Elrich to finish underneath the onrushing goalkeeper.
A marauding run from Elrich in stoppage time culminated in a fabulous long-range curling effort from Carrusca and ensure the three points would be heading back to South Australia.
The result means Adelaide have a provisional seven point gap over Newcastle Jets and Wellington Phoenix, while Brisbane are likely to relinquish top spot by the end of the round.
Adelaide execute game plan to a tee
The Reds implemented Guillermo Amor’s tactics flawlessly as they were prepared to sit back and defend in numbers and exploit their opponents on the break. The manner in which they grabbed the first goal of the clash is a testament of their tenacity and proficiency on the counter-attack. It was an efficient showing from Adelaide as Amor seems to have found the right balance in the team, despite regulars Michael Marrone, Jimmy Jeggo and Sergio Cirio all missing the encounter. The Barca icon has given his players more freedom in advanced positions and less emphasis on retaining the ball, in contrast to his predecessor Josep Gombau. Thus far it has worked a treat and United have certainly enhanced their title credentials as a result.
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Brisbane again unable to capitalise on their possession
The Roar have been synonymous with dominating possession, controlling the rhythm of matches and scoring an abundance of goals since Ange Postecoglou transformed the club’s playing style all those years ago. However, tonight like the previous two weeks Brisbane struggled to make the most of their territorial supremacy. Skipper Matt Mckay, Corona and Javier Hervas bossed the midfield and completed a plethora of passes though could not unlock a resilient Adelaide defence to create clear-cut chances.
Boasting 64% of possession at the interval John Aloisi’s men lacked ideas in the attacking third and frequently over passed the ball, allowing Adelaide to remain compact. It is now three games since the Roar have found the back of the net from open play and the second time they have conceded four goals in two matches. However, that can be attributed to the omissions of forwards Brandon Borrello and Jamie Maclaren who have been on international duty with the Olyroos.
When it rains, it pours for Bruce Djite
The striker finally ended a goal drought which endured for 21 successive league matches. However, in his 22nd game he scored from the penalty spot, after McGowan was fouled in the area. It was a much improved performance from the former Gold Coast United man as he was rewarded for his endeavours and tireless work-rate. Djite was prolific throughout proceedings and after having to wait almost a year to score his first goal, he had another to savour eight minutes later – taking his chance in rather clinical fashion. If this outing can spark a scoring spree for United, then the Reds will be considered an even greater dark horse and will probably secure what appeared an unlikely finals berth two months into the campaign.
Outside90 Player of the Year Votes
3 – Bruce Djite
2 – Tarek Elrich
1 – Iacopo La Rocca
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