A great win, in front of a great Suncorp Stadium crowd. Take a look as we break down and analyse the weekend’s victory over Melbourne City.
Match Facts
An incredible defensive display from the Roar kept Melbourne City to zero shots on target for just the second time in the Victorian’s clubs history. It’s the second time in recent weeks that the Roar have done so, after also stopping the Mariners from forcing keeper Michael Theo into any saves.
The Roar were able to find the target on four occasions from eight shots, restricting City’s potent attack to three shots.
City dominated possession and made 174 crosses as well as leading the cross count 33-10.
Brisbane’s defensive effort is underlined by the dominance in tackles. The home side made 34 tackles (82.4% success rate) in comparison with City’s 14, and clearly won the clearance count as well.
FUN FACT: In the 19th meeting between the teams, it was the first time that the score has finished 1-0 in Brisbane’s favour.
Man of the Match: Thomas Kristensen
Another man-of-the-match performance by the Great Dane who has seamlessly transitioned in the Roar set up.
He has played every minute of the season so far and leads the team in passing after making 42 passes at an incredible 86% accuracy against City.
It’s the Dane’s efforts when not in possesion that have been his greatest asset. He made another six interceptions, three tackles and four clearances.
He nearly scored a Goal of the Year contender in the first half and assisted for another shot as well.
Corey Brown
What a start he has had to the season!
His ability to nullify the threat of Bruce Kamau coming in off the right wing was of great importance to the Roar keeping a clean sheet.
He won every aerial duel he was involved in as well as 87.5% of all duels, winning three fouls and conceding just the one.
Three interceptions, seven tackles and three clearances was enough to see him named in the Hyundai A-League Round 5 Team of the Week.
Luke DeVere
Playing just his fifth Hyundai A-League game after more than a season on the sidelines through injury, the big central defender had the tough task of minding Tim Cahill – and what a job he did!
Against Cahill, who is well known for his heading prowess, DeVere won 100% of aerial duels and 85.7% in total.
Three interceptions, two tackles, three clearances and 24 passes at 75% accuracy shows that his work on the floor was just as valuable as his work in the air.
Player Ranking
Thomas Kristensen continues to be the Roar’s link in midfield, leading the side with 280 passes, closely followed by fullback Jack Hingert and centre defensive pairing Luke DeVere and Jade North.
Jamie Maclaren will enter the Socceroos camp in great form with two goals and an assist in his previous two matches. The 2015-16 Hyundai A-League Young Player of the Year has made 14 shots so far this season and is starting to find the back of the net.
Thomas Broich continues to be one the Roar’s creative avenues in midfield and he’s been joined by Socceroo legend Brett Holman. The pair have created nine chances each, closely followed by Tommy Oar with eight.
Vice-captain Jade North continues to be a rock in the Roar’s back four, accumulating 32 clearances in the first five rounds.