Take a look at some key stats from Saturday’s game as we break down our first win of the Hyundai A-League 2016/17 season.
Match Facts
Brisbane dominated in terms of chances created and shots on goal. The Roar led the shot count 18-10 with five shots finding the target.
Additionally, the Roar were able to restrict the Mariners to not a single shot on target.
However, the visitors were placed under substantial pressure late in the match and had to grind out a win as demonstrated by the clearance count which they led 42-19.Â
The Mariners dominated possession, as they have in their opening matches, but not to the same extent. The Roar maintained 45.1% possession and made 418 passes to the hosts’ 510
FUN FACT: Â The 1-0 result in Brisbane’s favour was already the most common scoreline in matches between the Roar and Mariners.Â
Brett Holman
The off-season recruit was at his creative best on Saturday, carving a number of great chances, the best falling to Jamie Maclaren in the first half.
Holman made 32 passes at 84% accuracy to go with three crosses, two shot assists a couple of shots.
He also had a strong presence without possession making three tackles, two clearances and winning every aerial duel he was involved in in 85 minutes of game time.
The Socceroo legend, who now leads the Roar squad in chances created, was deservedly awarded as NAB Man on the Match.
Thomas Kristensen
The Danish international continues to go from strength-to-strength in the centre of the park putting in another strong performance against the Mariners.
His first Brisbane Roar goal secured a vital three points away from home in a match where he attempted 58 passes with an astounding 91% accuracy, with three shot assists as well.
His defensive presence continues to be impressive, making a number of clearances (seven), five tackles and an intercept.
Matt McKay
The skipper had an impressive return to the starting lineup with a strong presence defensively making four interceptions, four clearances and five tackles.
He amassed some time on the ball too with 65 passes and two shot assists.
While the club stalwart’s best work happens at his feet, he won 100% of aerial duels he was involved in.
Player ranking
Great distribution from fullback Jack Hingert has seen him soar into the lead for total passes.
Jamie Maclaren was desperately unlucky to not open his 2016/17 season goal-scoring account, but the striker did create a number of terrific chances and found the target on three occasions.
Tommy Oar was only able to make two crosses in the victory, yet he has no accumulated 18 crosses from three games and leads the squad in that aspect.
Centre defensive pairing Jade North and Luke DeVere were placed under substantial pressue in order to secure the Roar’s maiden clean sheet for the season, and the pair now sit as the top two in the squad for clearances.
