The Sky Blue View
As the calendar has officially ticked over to February, focus returns to the A-league after a rather successful Asian Cup. For Sydney FC, this presents the chance to make up for lost time after the latter half of last year was marred by injuries and lackluster performances. The month of February begins with a trip to table toppers Perth which is sure to give the sky blues and fans an indication of where they are at.
Round 15 Review
Signs were positive in the last fixture against the lowly Central Coast Mariners. The game marked the first for new additions Mikael Tavares and Jacques Faty who both played out a solid debut. The game also returned the team to the score sheet, something which they particularly struggled with towards the end of last year (ever since the 3-3 draw against rivals Victory). Positively the goals we’re shared around with 5 separate player managing to get on the score sheet. In terms of individual performances, Janko continued with his successful goal scoring run away from home and youngster Alex Gersbach impressed on the left flank delivering some quality balls into the centre. Other goal scorers included Naumoff, Ibini and Captain Alex Brosque.
News (injuries, contracts, transfers, etc)
On the news front, things have been rather quiet for the sky blues. All our transfer dealings were made prior to the Mariners fixture, although we are still keenly waiting for one of those signings to make his debut in left sided midfielder Robert Stambolziev. In terms of returnees, Terry Antonis returns from international duty with the Socceroos and you’d imagine he would be rather keen to return to the field given he didn’t get a minute of action during the Asian Cup. One team for the sky blues was in action during the week with the youth team drawing with Perth away from home on Sunday. In terms of contracts, the sky blues said their farewells to Pedj Bojic who agreed to mutually part ways with the harbour based side after a rather unsuccessful period.
Next Game
So bearing all that in mind, the sky blues face now what could be the most difficult away trip in the league. Perth Glory have definitely surprised a lot of people, the West Australian based side find themselves on top and Sydney don’t have the best record this season against the Glory. This season they have lost twice at home 2-1 in the FFA cup and A-league respectively. However the current sky blues outfit could be considered a different prospect and with the experienced Tavares and Faty coming into the spine of the team. There is no doubt that these additons give the team the experience which they have been missing since the loss of Ognenovski earlier this season. It will also allow Ryall when he returns to fit into the right back position where he is best. So expect a scrap, I personally am hoping for a result and even a draw will be considered valuable in the context of our season.
Conclusion
So in a week which has been dominated with celebration of the Socceroos Asian Cup win, the sky blues have flown quietly under the radar which is always a danger sign for any opposition when Graham Arnold is your coach. Tim Cahill will not be appearing in sky blue after some facets bizarrely blamed Sydney for him not coming back home, but you can be sure the 11 men in sky blue will be keen to make a statement in the West Australian Capital on Saturday night.
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