It was another stellar defensive display from the Sky Blues that saw Friday’s top of the table clash at Allianz Stadium end goalless as both sides were stifled by their opposing back four.
Neither side was afforded time or space with both defences pressing high and forcing the opposition into cheap turnovers high up the field however, each side was quick in transition and were able to break up any promising counter.
The Sky Blues made 12 tackles for a completion rate of 91.7% while the Roar completed seven tackles conceding 15 fouls which broke up play at Allianz Stadium.
On the offensive side, Graham Arnold’s men were the more threatening side pushing to win the game with a total of 22 crosses made compared to 12 from Brisbane Roar.
Sydney FC were forced into 13 clearances as they ensured Vedran Janjetovic kept another clean sheet and the Sky Blues remained the only side still undefeated in the competition.
Matthew Jurman, playing against his former club, continued his bright start to the Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season with another impressive showing as he made six interceptions, five clearances and recovered the ball on five occasions to lead Sydney FC’s defensive stats on the night.
Post-match Head Coach Graham Arnold praised the defensive work exhibited by his team.
“Defensively we were outstanding. Brisbane didn’t have a shot on goal, I was happy with our defence,” he said.
“Defence wins Championships. If you look at all the teams in Europe that win titles they’ve all got the best defensive record.”
Matthew Jurman’s defensive stats over the 90 minutes showing interceptions (blue), clearances (purple) and recoveries (yellow).
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