Sydney FC squeezed out a narrow 1-0 victory over Korean side Pohang Steelers, recording their third consecutive win in the so called ‘group of death’.
The team from the harbour city were looking to erase the painful memories of their incredible form dip in the A-League, with the aim of consolidating their position on top of Group H. Despite the lack of domestic form, The Sky Blues entered this Matchday 4 clash as resounding favourites; their opponents made 9 changes from their previous fixture, presenting an inexperienced lineup lacking international experience.
The first half bore very few chances. The young Steelers side pressed Sydney hard throughout the early exchanges, however the match soon settled as the Korean side sat back in their 5-at-the-back structure, allowing the home team to enjoy the lion’s share of possession in an attempt to catch them on the counter. This tactic nearly proved effective, as right back Park Jun-Hui tested the Sydney goalkeeper Vedran Janjetovic on the end of a overlapping run 30 minutes in.
The headline moment of the first period came off the boot of David Carney, as he was expertly put through on goal by a scoop from Milos Ninkovic, only to blaze it over the bar.
It was the Serbian who broke the deadlock five minutes into the second half. A fast break saw Brandon O’Neill play a one-two with Andrew Hoole, with the ball eventually falling to Ninkovic who took advantage of a defensive miscommunication by his opponents, poking home with the outside of his foot.
51' GOAL to @SydneyFC! They're leading at home thanks to Ninkovic! 1-0 #ACL2016 #SYDvPOH pic.twitter.com/JcXm3woIf5
— AFC Champions League (@TheAFCCL) April 5, 2016
From that moment, the flow of the game was transformed. The three time Asian Champions emerged, and began to attack with unseen intensity and desperation. However, this added effort went unheralded on the scoresheet, as the Korean side failed to produce the elusive equaliser.
Chances flew both ways for the remainder of the match, however both teams failed to convert some stonewall opportunities, allowing the Sky Blues to secure another valuable 3 points.
Here are some significant observations from tonight’s events.
Milos Ninkovic is Sydney’s real ‘marquee’
As Sydney FC’s marquee man Filip Holosko was spotted by Fox Sports cameras devouring a pie in the Allianz Stadium grandstand, his international compatriot Ninkovic was proving as influential as ever for the Sky Blues.
His attacking spark proved to be vital for Sydney FC, and although seeming to pick up a few knocks throughout, the former Dynamo Kyiv star continued to provide chances for Sydney’s strikers as the match began to become more open. In the end, it was his strike which was decisive.
Sydney’s season could be rescued
By no means should any real positives be taken from failing to qualify for the A-League finals, however the ability for Graham Arnold to magnify his focus on the ACL will further increase the chances of his side achieving continental glory.
Asia’s premier competition is one that suits the 52 year old’s style. Positive results against Urawa Red Diamonds at home and Guangzhou Evergrande in China should see comfortable progression from the group, and although the job is not quite complete, the Sydney faithful may surely now begin to dream of emulating the feat achieved by their cross-town rivals in 2014.
Defensive composure, at long last
For a side which has dealt their fair share of defensive frailties throughout the 2015-16 season, there was an air of confidence throughout the defensive aspects of the home side.
Although Sydney may not have appeared polished in attack, although the playing surface surely would not have helped, security at the back provided the platform to eventually earn maximum points. 28-year-old goalkeeper, Janjetovic shook off past errors to look secure off a barrage of Pohang crosses, and the back four played their part in securing the best possible result for the Sky Blues.
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