Just what did we learn in round three of the A-League?
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NO DEL PIERO, NO WORRIES
Sydney FC look a cut above last year and will no doubt be title challengers this season under Graham Arnold.
Imports Marc Janko and Milos Dimitrijevic set the standard on Friday night with stunning goals, and overall the Sky Blues look much more structurally sound than the past few seasons.
GOMBAU’S REDS ARE CHALLENGERS
Adelaide aren’t making as much noise as Sydney or the Victory, but the Reds are going about their business very effectively.
Josep Gombau’s men disposed of ladder-leaders Perth Glory with consummate ease on Sunday afternoon, and the manner in which they won sent out a warning shot to the rest of the league.
The international trio of Marcelo Carrusca, Isaias and Cirio have had superb starts the the season and it seems the Reds will be fighting for the title.
WELLINGTON EXPOSE NEWCASTLE’S FRAILTIES
The Jets looked solid enough at the back in their 1-1 draw with Melbourne City, but the pacy Wellington attack exposed Newcastle’s defensive frailties.
Wellington’s counter-attacks ripped the Jets defence apart, with Michael McGlinchey’s through balls to Nathan Burns doing the most amount of damage.
Phil Stubbins needs to tighten up things in the back, and fast.
MELBOURNE VICTORY LOOKING RAMPANT
There’s no doubt that City shaded it in the first half, but Victory’s second half performance reflected a side with huge attacking threats all over the park.
Yes, Besart Berisha hit a hat-trick, and yes Archie Thompson got himself a double, but Kosta Barbarouses was clearly Victory’s man of the match.
The Kiwi international was everywhere and ended the match with three assists and gave makeshift left-back Iain Ramsey a torrid time all night.
THE REIGNING CHAMPIONS ARE IN A SPOT OF BOTHER
It may not be a crisis just yet, but the Brisbane Roar are struggling big time.
Sydney FC’s intense pressing left the Roar out of ideas and not looking anything like the side who has virtually dominated the league in the past few years.