Adelaide United extended their undefeated streak to three matches with a 0-0 draw against the Newcastle Jets in a match ultimately lacking attacking quality at Hunter Stadium on Friday night.
Both sides had just encountered less than a month ago, but the outcome culminated in the same fashion as it again remained scoreless, with the Reds incidentally also earning their first point on the road this campaign.
Adelaide dominated the early exchanges, creating several chances and nearly found the opener when Marcelo Carrusca’s curling free kick smacked against the crossbar.
The hosts also had their opportunities predominantly on the break with the best chance falling to Mateo Poljak whose header crashed into the upright, after meeting Milos Trifunovic’s inviting cross.
Carrusca was again agonisingly denied by the woodwork as his second set piece attempt struck the post and leaving gloveman Mark Birighitti rooted to the spot.
The result sees Newcastle and Adelaide stay in seventh and ninth respectively on the A-League ladder after 11 rounds with the Jets now failing to score against the South Australians in four successive matches.
Newcastle remain vulnerable defensively
The Jets put in an overall improved performance against the Reds, where Scott Miller’s men illustrated greater urgency and intensity after last week’s embarrassing 4-0 rout. However, defensively there still remain palpable problems, justified by the fact that Adelaide managed to record 21 passes into host’s 18-yard box by half time alone. Consistently, the midfield trio of Jimmy Jeggo, Isaias and Carrusca effortlessly played incisive through balls to the wide players of the Reds. Had they been facing a more lethal attack than United (who had scored a mere 10 goals before tonight’s match), a concession of goals could have been a real inevitability. Nigel Boogaard’s return from injury certainly facilitated the back four as his experience and presence in the heart of defence as captain was immeasurable. However, more work is required on the defensive structure if the Jets’ aspirations of finishing the season in the top six are realised.
Is Sergio Cirio getting back to his dangerous best?
The Spaniard demonstrated he is gradually nearing his best form, following a slow start to the campaign. Cirio has scored just the solitary league goal this term and therefore it is no coincidence that the Reds’ recent struggles coincided with his floundering outings. However, the mini resurgence which has occurred over past couple of weeks is indicative of the 30-year-old’s better outings. He was arguably the best man on the field exploiting the naïve Nick Cowburn, who was unable to curtail the pace and agility of Cirio. Particularly, before the interval, he illustrated immense technical ability on the ball and delivered a number of intriguing crosses into the box.
Mateo Poljak, the unsung hero
The Croatian midfielder protected his defence with aptness all game and was one of the major reasons why his club secured a vital point after consecutive defeats. His proficiency in acting as a screen in front of the back four is a testament to his tireless work-rate and skill to cover a lot of ground. This season, especially during the first month of fixtures Poljak was very much the unsung hero, while the likes of David Carney and Milos Trifunovic would steal the limelight. The 26-year-old again displayed true composure in possession and further to this he also struck the post with a forceful header that had beaten Eugene Galekovic.
Outside90 Player of the Year Votes
3 – Sergio Cirio
2 – Mateo Poljak
1 – Ryan Kitto
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