Just in case you missed it, here is all the entertaining stuff from the A-League Round Three in Tribalfootball's Press Rewind.
THE GOOD
Chris Sermeno
Let's be honest here, whether we like them or not, the Sydney derby had everybody's attention for so many reasons. The reigning premiers weren't going to be shown up by their neighbours, who are undefeated under caretaker coach Hayden Foxe. By the same token, the Wanderers weren't going to be pushovers in a game of high stakes.
I hope for draws in games such as these, so that no team gets the benefit of bragging rights or all 3 points. The game itself distracted us from the administrative and political problems that plagues our league, and got our attention on what truly matters: football.
On another note, the league seems to have taken a dramatic turn from last season. Adelaide are quietly going about their business, Victory have a star studded but struggling squad, City have taken top spot early, and Newcastle are showing to be the most improved and unpredictable squad.
That doesn't mean we can rule out the likes of Wellington, Central Coast or Perth. A couple of good results could see the table turned right around again. It's still early days but there's much more to come. Despite the old argument that 10 teams aren't enough, no two seasons of A-League are alike. To see the shakeup on the table has been extremely refreshing, and I can't wait to see how this season pans out.
THE BAD
Chris Sermeno
Besart's meltdown…
Oh Bes, when are you not down in the dumps of the negative headlines? The man attracts attention for the right and wrong reasons, and this weekend his shove on the fourth official is enough to warrant a disciplinary hearing and possible suspension.
Here's my take. Had the fourth official not have gotten in the way of things, Besart wouldn't have shoved him, and possibly (more like begrudgingly) have walked away from the incident without further conflict. But the only time anyone should have his hands on an official is at the end of the game shaking hands, regardless of the result. Bes has to answer for himself here
You've got 2 kinds of opinions on this issue, one is that the ref got involved where he didn't need to, and the other suggesting that Besart should have the book thrown at him, considering Danny Vukovic copped months for a similar incident in the Grand Final of 2008.
We all know what Besart can be like when he gets frothing at the mouth, and clearly the official did not want to take that chance. His passion can also be his downfall.
THE UGLY
Brodie Cowburn
The ugliest moment of the round was undoubtedly the horror injury suffered by Newcastle Jets recruit Ronald Vargas. Just 3 games into his career at the new club, the highly rated Venezualan international's season was cut cruelly short after he broke and dislocated his ankle. We wish him all the best in his recovery.
59' | 2 – 1 | Concern here for Ronald Vargas as the Venezuelan is stretchered off with what appears to be a serious injury #BRIvNEW
— NEWCASTLE JETS FC (@NewcastleJetsFC) October 22, 2017
Ronald Vargas is currently in hospital for scans for a very serious ankle injury. All the best Ron, we're thinking of you mate. pic.twitter.com/JNKWCELADp
— NEWCASTLE JETS FC (@NewcastleJetsFC) October 22, 2017
An update on Ronald Vargas, as everyone at the Newcastle Jets wishes him a speedy recovery.
Details https://t.co/uL0RXZ5sbjpic.twitter.com/zgT7SYGr2h
— NEWCASTLE JETS FC (@NewcastleJetsFC) October 23, 2017
GOAL OF THE WEEK
Brodie Cowburn
This week's goal of the week also came from the Brisbane vs. Newcastle Jets game, as former Brisbane star Dimi Petratos came back to haunt his former club. From distance, Petratos unleashed a thunderbolt to put his side in front.
Video courtesy of Fox Sports.
STUNNER! What an incredible strike from @NewcastleJetsFC's Dimi Petratos. #BRIvNEW#ALeague : @FOXFOOTBALLpic.twitter.com/7fCtXuJ10d
— Hyundai A-League (@ALeague) October 22, 2017
