Bar some early rustiness (Devere early on then Davila when he came on) I thought we looked pretty good in possession. New comers Lewis and McGarry were passing with confidence, Muratovic not so much, but getting that goal hopefully adds to his confidence.
Out of possession I thought we have lots to work on. Both there goals were great strikes but poor defending by us. No one putting pressure on there new kid for the first and we looked totally disorganised for Bratans free kick goal. Were they trying to form a wall? Who was taking charge of the situation? Didn't do our selves any favours.
Our attack not surprisingly improved alot when Davila and Hemed came on. Keeping in mind sydney conceded the least number of goals last year and there side is mostly unchanged it was always going to be hard to score against them. Especially once they sat deep.
First half we were pretty predictable in attack, trying to use Sotirio as an outlet and Payne putting in crosses from the right. But encouraging signs as the game wore on. I think Davila and Hemed are going to score alot of goals this year.
Also though Riddenton had good impact when he came on. I feel like we have generally good ball playing depth in this squad, but lack genuine goal scorers. Its going to critical that Davila and Hemed stay fit. I can see why Talay is being careful easing them in.
Did anyone else think that Bratans stud high tackle on Sotirio should have been a red card. (If it was Rufer with a tackle like that on Ninkovich !!!). Also thought the shove by Zuollo on Hemed in the box warranted a second look by VAR.
So a typical match against Sydney then. Played well in patches, didn't get the rub of the green. Lost narrowly but showed promising signs.
