Just in case you missed it, here is everything of importance from the A-League Round 7 in Tribalfootball's Press Rewind.
The Good
Melbourne Victory have notched their first win of the season this weekend, after a convincing 2-0 win over Perth Glory away. A classic Besart Berisha goal in the 56th minute gave Victory the lead, before 11 minutes later Leroy George poked home his 3rd goal of the season.
Victory coach, Kevin Muscat, was delighted with the result. "It was an outstanding performance and we were thoroughly deserving of the three points," he said. "The result was a reflection of a group that has worked tirelessly and collectively."
Looking forward to their game next week Muscat stated: "Tonight will give us the confidence required, and help us learn from what we did well."
Victory came into this round without a win in the six games, so far, this season, and sitting bottom of the table; now sitting 6th, this win could prove to be a vital turning point in their season.
Mikaela Pratt
The Bad
The folks over at Spotless Stadium have some explaining to do.
It's well documented that the Western Sydney Wanderers have been put in an awkward spot, with works on their stadium leaving them homeless for the time being. They have set up camp at Spotless Stadium, home of the GWS Giants, for now. It is far from a match made in heaven.
Being an oval ground, Spotless Stadium is far from an ideal home for the beautiful game. But it certainly is manageable, at least if the surface is kept up to acceptable playing condition. That's where the problems have started.
In an absolute shock during the week, it was announced that the Western Sydney vs Wellington game would be postponed, due to the unsatisfactory condition of the pitch. Fair play to the FFA for identifying that there may be an issue that would see the pitch unsafe to play on, and good on them for putting their foot down.
It is not acceptable to leave a pitch in such bad condition that a game must be postponed so that it can be fixed. The team at Spotless Stadium had better get their act together.
Brodie Cowburn
The Ugly
I honestly hate to kick someone while they're down, especially if the conditions are against them. But this was truly awful to watch.
Newcastle's Jack Duncan has put his hand up for miss of the season, although in his defence the rain was truly unforgiving in a night that saw the previous league leaders drop a game against last year's premiers.
What looked like a comfortably saved ball managed to slip free from Duncan's grasp and perfectly into the path of Sydney's Bobo for the easiest of tap ins you'll see this season.
I can't tell if the ball actually slipped due to the soaked conditions, or whether he tried to push the ball back into play, but the shot stopper would've felt his heart sink harder than the Titanic as he realised what happened right in front of him.
Former Socceroo Archie Thompson labelled Duncan's gaffe as one of the biggest goalkeeping errors he'd ever seen. Harsh words from someone who would've eaten that ball for breakfast during his playing days.
I'm sure Jets' coach Ernie Merrick would be encouraging to accept it and move on, imparting some wisdom to the fledgling goalkeeper. If Newcastle are to continue enjoying success, they simply cannot afford to dwell on minor errors and one dropped game.
Jack will be hoping to redeem himself next week against a Victory side who will be aiming for just their second win of the season.
Chris Sermeno
Who's Hot
Reigning champions, Sydney FC, have confirmed they are the team to beat this season, bouncing back from a shock loss to Central Coast Mariners last week, to reclaim top spot of the table. After losing top spot to Newcastle Jets last week, Sydney were out for revenge.
Milos Ninkovic got them off the mark early, in the 5th minute; before a fumble from Jets' keeper Jack Duncan, allowed Bobo to tap-in Sydney's second. Dimitri Petratos was able to grab one back for the Jets, but it was too late, Sydney winning 2-1 and ending the Jets' unbeaten run, so far, this season.
The win comes at a handy time for Sydney, ahead of their FFA Cup Final against Adelaide United on Tuesday night. Sydney have yet to look troubled in the FFA Cup so far, and in league-leading form, they look favourites to get their hands on more silverware.
MikaelaPratt
Who's Not
I'll tell you who's not, Tim Cahill.
The City striker turned some heads his week with his comments after the Socceroos incredible World Cup qualification, and let me tell you he's put everyone on high alert by suggesting he's willing to leave Melbourne City to play at Russia 2018.
The FFA and Melbourne City won't be keen to see their prized possession jet off to another club, be it local or elsewhere, but Cahill will do whatever it takes for more game time.
From a management perspective, you must consider his fitness as well as his contribution, and whether he's worth whatever squillions City are paying him. City coach Warren Joyce reiterated the importance of club culture by saying, "If players come in, do their job, do well and we win games then they will keep their place. You have to have the same rules for everyone otherwise it doesn't work."
Perhaps it might've been a bit unprofessional, or ill timed rathe, from Tim to spill the beans the way he did but the damage is done. Undoubtedly gaining unwanted attention, the question marks have been raised.
The A-League critic in me says go and do whatever you want, we don't need that sort of disregard for your club.
But the Aussie in me says come on Timmy, we need you next year!
Some hard choices to be made, hopefully they make the right one for everyone involved.
Chris Sermeno
Goal of the Week
This week's best goal scoring effort came from Daniel Adlung of Adelaide United.
Adlung came to Adelaide from Germany at the beginning of the season, and arrived with huge expectations placed upon him. He is quickly starting to show that he will meet these expectations.
Having already scored a belter in Adelaide's FFA cup semi final, Adlung put away his first league goal for the Reds with an absolute screamer. Take a look.
Brodie Cowburn
WHAT. A. HIT!
Goal of the season contender?
: @FOXFOOTBALLpic.twitter.com/I76R2dsCIG
— Hyundai A-League (@ALeague) November 16, 2017
