If Glory fans and A-League Men’s viewers couldn’t see the positives after a loss last week, I would like to think they can see them a bit more clearly now after our first win of the season.
Yes, it came against a Melbourne Victory side who had to play the whole second half with 10 men and had to sub off one of their best defenders, Brendon Hamill, after just 13 minutes.
Remember though this Glory side didn’t welcome back Brandon O’Neill just yet, didn’t have Daniel Sturridge again and lost Brad Jones to injury, presenting an opportunity for 20-year-old Cameron Cook to make his A-League Men’s starting debut.
And even when the game was 11 vs 11 in the first half, the contest was close and tightly contested. The shot count was even and so were the shots on target. This was in no way a lucky or undeserved victory, we were good value for our win, and there were a lot of shining lights.
Antonee Burke-Gilroy. What more can you say? He showed in Round 1 he was capable of hitting a sweet strike on his left foot. A great goal and a great game against a quality opponent in Jason Davidson. Stood up to him and took on the challenge. Can see him becoming a favourite amongst the Glory faithful.
Let’s not forget that assist for Ciaran Bramwell too. How good he is on both feet is what has impressed me the most about him. I think more players should put more work into improving their weak foot. On the attack, it makes you so much more unpredictable and can create a bit more space, which is all he needed to find Bramwell, who was in a great position in the middle of the box.
Another defender who caught my eye was Aaron Calver. The whole defensive group worked really well this game, but I took more notice of Calver’s efforts in this match. Put in some good tackles, got the ball out of danger a few times and even put in a peach of a cross for Bruno Fornaroli in the second half.
I do think he is much better suited as a centre-back though. It would be interesting to see how he would go in a central pairing with Daryll Lachman if Richard Garcia decides to play with a back four more often.
Once again Luke Bodnar and Daniel Stynes had good games. In possession, it seems like Bodnar is getting better each week. Stynes forced a good save out of Ivan Kelava with a curling effort in the 24th minute and just needs a goal to continue his build-up of confidence.
I have to recognise the effort of Bruno Fornaroli. Another lovely strike from outside the box, well worth it given his performance. His hold-up play reminds me of Romelu Lukaku when he was at Inter Milan. Shielding the ball from defenders and laying it off to teammates who are open or in better positions
It’s more impressive given Fornaroli is much shorter than Lukaku and doesn’t possess the frame Lukaku has. He’s also got that ability to force a foul out of an opponent to create opportunities from set-pieces and release defensive pressure.
My take on the red card? I don’t think there can be too many arguments against it. Kicks to the head like the one from Marchan normally result in red cards, just ask Sadio Mane and Thomas Muller.
Continuing on the Victory path, two players got my attention more than the rest. Marco Rojas number one, when he got the ball, I was worried he’d pull something magical out. They don’t call him the Kiwi Messi for nothing. Drew smart fouls and probably got the best of Kosuke Ota this game.
I also thought Nishan Velupillay was handy off the bench. He’s got the speed to catch defenders out and is one to look out for. Once this Victory frontline gets going and catches fire, it’s going to be tough to outscore them. Overall, a great way to finish the weekend.
The test becomes tougher on Wednesday night against the reigning champions, who haven’t looked themselves in the opening weeks. Maybe we’ve got them at a good time.
One last thing, if anyone thinks the penalty at the end should not have been overturned, you either need new glasses or you’ve got to take off your rose-tinted ones. Jason Davidson with an early nomination for this season’s Fallon d’Floor.
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