Just what did we learn from round eight of the A-League?
Melbourne Victory v Adelaide United: Does it ever disappoint?
Ok, maybe it did back in round two, but you can put that down to a hard, slippery Adelaide Oval surface.
However one of the A-League’s original rivalries certainly lived up to its billing ion Friday night, with a superb atmosphere matching the excitement on the pitch.
Whilst Victory were fortunate to be granted two ridiculous own goals, it was what they deserved after periods of sustained pressure.
Adelaide can still take plenty of positives out of loss – especially the performance of youngster Awer Mabil.
Mabil destroyed the normally rock-solid Victory left-back Daniel Georgievski, and was rewarded with a goal.
All in all, an excellent night of football.
Football pays its respects to a Australian sporting hero
A-League fans covered themselves in glory across all five matches this weekend after paying their respects to the late Phillip Hughes.
Not only was the pre-game minute silence impeccably observed in all pre-matches, but the 63rd minute tribute was truly a sight to behold.
Well done, football.
The ghost of Melbourne Heart still lingers over horrible City
Apart from a name and colour change, there seems to be not much difference between Melbourne Heart and Melbourne City – on-field at least.
City went down 5-1 to a rampant Wellington Phoenix outfit, and the side’s defensive deficiencies were out on show for all to see.
How long will John van’t Schip last?
Wellington Phoenix, a force to be reckoned with…
Wellington’s 5-1 rout of Melbourne City showed a side very capable of mixing it with the best at home, but Ernie Merrick’s side must start doing the same away from the ‘Cake Tin’.
The attacking duo of Nathan Burns and Roy Krishna were superb on Sunday and they exposed City’s defensive frailties very easily.
Roly Bonevacia is emerging as one of the signings of the season and there’s no doubt they have the ability to be playing finals football.
Nathan Burns Asian Cup-bound?
Nathan Burns is in the form of his life and pushing for a spot in Ange Postecoglou’s Asian Cup squad.
The Socceroos have struggled for goals of late and there’s no doubt the Postecoglou is keeping a keen eye over the former Adelaide United and AEK Athens man.
It remains to be seen if he has left his run too late, however.