Nix find scoring boots, Western fume over non-penalty
ROUND FOUR OF THE A-LEAGUE MEN COMPETITION AT A GLANCE:
THEY SAID IT: “Even the opposition players said that they can’t believe that wasn’t a penalty. Definitely a ‘please explain’ (but) it’s not going to change anything, because it killed the game.” – Western United coach John Aloisi didn’t hold back after a contentious non-decision against his team.
MAN OF THE WEEK: Nicolas Milanovic proved the hero Western Sydney needs after his hat-trick launched the Wanderers to their first win of the season. The Socceroos hopeful sounded a warning with a first-half double against Newcastle before cooly converting a penalty to condemn the Jets to a 4-1 defeat – and send a message to Tony Popovic.
TALKING POINT: Aloisi will be sending a ‘please explain’ to the league after his side were denied a crucial penalty in their 2-1 defeat to Adelaide. Reds captain Ryan Kitto downed Abel Walatee in the 59th minute but did not appear to challenge the ball when he denied Walatee a clear opportunity at goal when scores were level. Zach Clough then scored to secure the victory for Adelaide, leaving Western United winless so far this season.
STAT ATTACK: Under new coach Patrick Kisnorbo, Melbourne Victory (W3 D1 L0) are enjoying their best start to a season since 2014-15 – when Kevin Muscat led them to the premiership-championship double. With their 2-0 win over Brisbane, Victory also enjoyed their first triumph over Brisbane since 2021. They had been winless in their previous seven attempts.
BEAT THAT: Joining the fray as a substitute for injured Jake Hollman, Macarthur forward Ariath Piol silenced Sydney FC’s faithful at Allianz Stadium with a world-class bicycle kick to open the scoring. In Gosford, Wellington’s Japanese recruit Hideki Ishige scored a first goal against Central Coast. Ishige stepped up for a long-range free kick and delivered a moment of magic – lifting the ball over the wall and dipping it just under the crossbar.
UNDER PRESSURE: Is it too early for Central Coast to panic? The Mariners – champions in each of the past two seasons – only have three points and just one goal to show from their four matches after Wellington claimed a 3-0 win.
UP NEXT: Perth Glory face off against Western United and Newcastle fight local rivals Central Coast at Allianz Stadium to kick off Unite Round on Friday, November 22 after the international break. On the following Saturday, Brisbane go toe-to-toe with Adelaide before another iteration of the Sydney derby. Wellington host Melbourne Victory on Sunday and Macarthur v Auckland closes out the weekend.
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