A-League Round 11: Melbourne Victory's Veteran Striker Shines, Brisbane Roar's Roar Turns to a Whimper

The A-League Round 11 matches continued on the afternoon of January 6th, with Melbourne Victory's veteran striker Bruno Fornaroli proving to be a pivotal figure for his team. Meanwhile, Brisbane Roar, still reeling from a humiliating defeat, sought solace in the New Year fireworks. Here’s a detailed look at the key matchups and storylines from this round of fixtures.

Perth Glory vs. Melbourne Victory: How Long Can the Veteran Striker's Renaissance Last?

Perth Glory, fresh off a heavy defeat to Central Coast Mariners, remain entrenched near the bottom of the table. Despite an early lead in the 18th minute, Perth's defensive frailties were once again exposed as they succumbed to a 4-2 loss. Their backline looked chaotic throughout the match, with three of their four starting defenders receiving yellow cards. Two of these players, center-back Bevis and left-back Susnjar, were sent off for second yellow card offenses, both committing fouls inside the penalty area. The combination of these two defensive misfits epitomized Perth’s ongoing struggles.

Since their 2-0 victory over Central Coast Mariners in November, Perth has conceded at least two goals in seven consecutive matches, highlighting a long-standing defensive issue.

In stark contrast, Melbourne Victory's form has seen a significant upturn this season. With ten rounds played, their points tally is already double that of the same stage last season, propelling them from second-last to second place on the ladder. Remarkably, they remain unbeaten, a feat unmatched by any team after seven rounds last season. The key to their resurgence has been an improved attack, with their goal tally also doubling compared to last season's first ten rounds. This surge in scoring has been largely driven by 36-year-old striker Bruno Fornaroli. The Uruguayan-born Australian forward, who once played for Greek giants Panathinaikos without scoring a goal, has found a new lease of life in the A-League. Fornaroli's best A-League season came in 2015-2016 with Melbourne City, where he scored 25 goals in 29 matches. This season, he has already netted 13 goals in 10 matches, showcasing the impact of his “second spring.”

Last season, Perth Glory managed to secure four points against Melbourne Victory, but the current form of both teams makes that record largely irrelevant. Given their contrasting trajectories, Melbourne Victory is expected to secure a narrow 1-0 win away from home.

Brisbane Roar vs. Sydney FC: Contrasting Fortunes

Both Brisbane Roar and Sydney FC have experienced fluctuating performances this season, leaving their playoff prospects uncertain. Brisbane Roar ended the year on a downward trajectory, losing three consecutive matches. Their last defeat of the year was arguably the most humiliating in the club's history, as they were thrashed 8-1 by Melbourne City. In that match, Melbourne City scored at an average of every 11.2 minutes, turning Brisbane's "Roar" into a mere whisper. This crushing defeat left Brisbane level with Western United at the top of the A-League's goals conceded chart.

Sydney FC, on the other hand, has shown signs of resurgence. In their last outing, they secured an impressive 3-1 home victory over league leaders Wellington Phoenix. Phoenix had been the only team in the league to have conceded fewer than ten goals this season, making Sydney's three-goal performance all the more remarkable. This victory marked Sydney's first back-to-back wins of the season, significantly boosting their morale. Sydney’s schedule had been somewhat irregular, featuring three consecutive away games followed by three consecutive home games. With a more balanced schedule ahead, their performance may stabilize.

When these two teams first met this season, Brisbane Roar triumphed 3-0. Despite their recent heavy defeat, Brisbane's true capabilities are likely not reflected in that scoreline. With the rejuvenation brought by the New Year, Brisbane Roar is expected to recover and secure a 2-1 home victory over Sydney FC.

Melbourne Victory's Resurgence

Melbourne Victory’s resurgence this season has been driven by a potent attack, spearheaded by veteran striker Bruno Fornaroli. His remarkable form has been a revelation, contributing significantly to the team's success. Victory's improved performances have seen them climb from the depths of last season's struggles to being genuine contenders this term. Their unbeaten streak is a testament to their newfound resilience and attacking prowess.

Brisbane Roar's Struggles

Brisbane Roar's season has been a rollercoaster, marked by periods of both promise and despair. Their recent heavy defeat has undoubtedly shaken the team, but the New Year presents an opportunity for redemption. The Roar's defensive issues need addressing urgently if they are to mount a serious challenge for the playoffs. Their upcoming match against Sydney FC will be a crucial test of their ability to bounce back and rediscover their form.

Sydney FC's Stability

Sydney FC has shown signs of stabilizing their form, with recent victories suggesting they are capable of challenging for top honors. Their ability to score against a previously solid Wellington Phoenix defense indicates a potent attacking threat. With a more balanced schedule moving forward, Sydney FC will look to build on their recent successes and establish themselves as serious contenders.

Perth Glory's Defensive Woes

Perth Glory's season has been plagued by defensive issues, with their backline frequently exposed. Their inability to maintain discipline and avoid costly errors has been their downfall. For Perth to turn their season around, a significant improvement in their defensive organization and discipline is required.

Conclusion

The A-League's eleventh round has highlighted the contrasting fortunes of teams like Melbourne Victory, Brisbane Roar, and Sydney FC. While Victory's resurgence continues to gather momentum, Brisbane Roar faces a crucial test of character following a humiliating defeat. Sydney FC, meanwhile, looks to build on their recent form and establish consistency. As the season progresses, the performances and adjustments made by these teams will be pivotal in determining their final standings and playoff prospects.