See the five things we learned from Friday’s loss to Brisbane as we went down to the Roar 1-0.
Jako’s class
The performance of Michael Jakobsen on Friday night was overshadowed by the result as the Dane continued his impressive start to the A-League season.
Jakobsen returned to the middle of a back three that he has now made his own and played an important role in City’s build-up play. His ability to turn out of trouble and fool the pressing defenders was all class not to mention his ability cut out attacks.
The defender kept Jamie Maclaren relatively quiet after his early goal and looks to have settled into life in Australia, proving to be an important cog in the City setup.
It’s not going to be easy
Well, as we found out on Friday night, no game in this league is going to be easy.
With City’s style involving a lot of the ball with style and flair, teams like Brisbane and Perth will look to physically impose themselves on the match and they are well within their rights to do so.
It’s now about serving it back to these teams and making sure we are the hunters and not the hunted in a league that has been characteristically known for its physicallity.
Tactics we have to get used to
Parking the bus is the term that was used for Brisbane’s tactics on Friday night and it worked.
We produced zero shots on target and a lot of that was thanks to the Roar’s regimented defensive blocks that strangled City’s attack.
No doubt it will be used against us again this season and now will be the time to find the solution with Newcastle up next on Thursday.
Problems need solutions
What are these solutions? There is no doubt quick transition will be worked on during the week with the need to dislodge the tight defensive set up.
Early switches to move opposition defences side to side while isolating full backs one on one is one of our strengths and with the likes of Fernando Brandan and Bruce Kamau on the wings, it will be important to make the most of the situation.
We will see how this will be implemented throughout the season but we definitely think Friday night’s performance against the Roar was a one-off.
Time to bounce back
Now is the time for us to bounce back and assert ourselves on the league once again this Thursday night against Newcastle.
The match is set to be an important test for us with the improvement of the Jets over the past season and their team ethos across the park. Despite a loss to Wellington on the weekend, the Jets – just like us – will be looking to pick up the three points after a disappointing loss in Round 5.
Our fortress at AAMI Park will play an important role on Thursday night and we need the fans to be out there to support the boys. Click here to secure your tickets for the contest and make sure you don’t miss our clash with the Jets!
