Carl Robinson and Bernie Ibini had a fiery return to McDonald Jones Stadium. Can a Covid-era crowd light up the first Sydney derby of the season?Three years ago Sydney FC fans endured what was, in their eyes, an unforgivable betrayal. Vedran Janjetovic, having lost his spot in goal to Danny Vukovic, defected to Western Sydney. The move, completed in December after much speculation, was sacrilege, a contravention of the golden rule: do not cross town.Janjetovic was seen as the ultimate deserter, a turncoat of the highest order, and supporters made their dissatisfaction known in his first Sydney derby as a Wanderer. Related: A-League's prodigies showcase local potential – but will the public respond? Continue reading...
Athletes and supporters are compelled to wait, with no guarantee of a satisfying resolutionWaiting and cricket go hand in glove. It is an instruction barked urgently as a defensive push scuttles towards a fielder. It is the next batter, padded up, visualising their fate. It is the commentator’s lament as rain pools on tarpaulin covers.Cricket does not have a monopoly on waiting in sport, but the duration of a Test provides room for the passage of time to take on great significance, so much so that a contest could be understood almost entirely in the context of waiting. The pitch? How could you know how it’s faring until both sides have batted, or seen how much it turns on days...
There is nothing much left to say about Sydney FC’s winningest A-League season, but Graham Arnold’s methods are worthy of unconventional appraisalCongratulations Sydney FC. The runaway premiers enjoyed the first of what should be two presentation ceremonies this season on Saturday, hoisting the premiers plate aloft after a typically methodical dismantling of Newcastle Jets.It’s good manners in moments like this to laud the best team in a competition, especially one a record margin ahead of its nearest challenger. But what more is there to say about the winningest team in an A-League season that hasn’t been said already? We’ve talked up the coach, drooled over the marquee No10, and marvelled at the collective ability to seize the moment. Anything else...
In a season for the true believers, the A-League delivered a round full of certainties, but there is a fine line between dependable and boring. One more Sydney FC win and the drama of the Premiership race will be snuffed outGood old dependable A-League, there when we need it most. While a skittish world fixated on events in Washington D.C. Australia’s professional football league delivered a comforting round full of certainties.Sydney FC won (of course), Adelaide United and Central Coast Mariners lost (as they’ve become accustomed to) and Melbourne Victory continued their miserable run of form against Perth Glory (now eight games without a win). There was an unjust game-changing red card, Liam Reddy saved another penalty, and Kenny Lowe...
While it provides great drama for the neutral, both John Aloisi and John van ‘t Schip emerge with reduced reputations after their latest public recriminations Mind games in football can often be a minefield. And like defusing hidden explosives, unless you’re a highly-trained expert, you’re probably better placed steering clear of the practice.Sir Alex Ferguson was famed as a skilled practitioner. But far more memorable than the marginal advantages his side may have gained through digs at referees, stop-watch keepers or opposing managers were the remarkable self-immolations from opponents who attempted, and failed, to match the master. Related: Melbourne City's van 't Schip slams Aloisi for 'whinging like a baby' Related: City-Roar war of words spreads to pitch in ill-tempered...