Winners:
The Sydney derby
The quality, the atmosphere, the colour and most importantly – the drama.
Not only was this the perfect christening for Bankwest Stadium but also once again proved itself to be the A-League’s best rivalry, as over 28,000 people saw the Western Sydney Wanderers prevail by the skin of their teeth.
Though the game’s romantics might tell you this was meant to be, as the Wanderers returned to their roots in digging deep and grinding out a result against their star-studded neighbours.
A Mitchell Duke 19th minute header was enough for the Wanderers, who had Swiss goalkeeper Daniel Lopar to thank after keeping out Sydney’s desperate efforts for an equaliser.
Despite being on the losing side Milos Ninkovic had the ball on a string and showcased his class on several occasions – playing several key passes and creating many unfinished opportunities.
Finishing was perhaps the only element which let the Sky Blues down – who completed 293 more passes than the Wanderers on Saturday night.
The fairytale continues for the Wanderers, who now sit on-top of the table with three straight wins to start their most important campaign yet.
Melbourne City
One would not be excused for still needing time to come to terms with this new Melbourne City.
For two weeks in a row, fans were left thinking ‘we would have lost this match last season’ – a sign the club is headed in the right direction.
They may have missed out on the FFA Cup, but the fire for success burned brightly on Sunday as City found a way to win – despite losing Harrison Delbridge.
But as he did last week, Jamie Maclaren rescued the three points with his 13th A-League brace, which included an awe-inspiring half-volley hit with his laces in the 85th minute to regain the lead.
They join the Wanderers as the only undefeated sides after three rounds.
Genoa
Struggling in the relegation zone, Genoa took a big punt in appointing Thiago Motta as their head coach.
Motta made 27 appearances for Genoa back in 2008-09 and returns to the club after his 2-7-2 formation went viral earlier this year.
Not only did Motta get off to the best possible start but made history with all three of his substitutes scoring in a come-from-behind victory against Brescia.
Kevin Agudelo, Christian Kouame and Goran Pandev all found the back of the net as Genoa jump out of the relegation zone.
Losers
Southampton
There were no bigger losers than Southampton.
Conceding nine goals is inexcusable at any level – especially at home in one of the world’s best competitions.
The Saints sit 18th in the Premier League with a goal difference of -16 and have a date with Manchester City in the next round.
Melbourne Victory Medical Room
Melbourne Victory’s first win of the season came at a hefty price as Socceroo Andrew Nabbout went down clutching his hamstring, minutes after giving his side the lead.
It was reported post-match Nabbout suffered a hamstring strain and is in doubt for Victory’s derby against Western United at Marvel Stadium.
Nabbout joins Tim Hoogland and Robbie Kruse on the sidelines as Victory’s depth will certainly be tested with three of their newest recruits out of action.
