The Sky Blues have emerged from the break with a stunning victory over Melbourne City in a massive result to boost their confidence.
Sydney downed the reigning premiers to earn their first win at Allianz Stadium since 2018, simultaneously delivering their opponents a maiden loss this season.
Arthur Papas’ Newcastle Jets secured bragging rights over F3 rivals Central Coast while Melbourne Victory defeated Macarthur FC for their second triumph in Sydney this campaign.
Both Western Sydney and Adelaide were forced to settle for draws with Wellington and Brisbane respectively, and Western United’s woes from before the World Cup continued as they fell to Perth.
Macarthur FC-Melbourne Victory 0-1
The Victorian side sealed all three points on Sunday evening to leapfrog above the Campbelltown club and into the top six.
The match was intensely fought but the Melbournians manage to break through Macarthur’s defence via an 84th minute strike from winger Ben Folami into the top left.
Centre half George Timotheou played a crucial role in Victory protecting the clean sheet while teammate Chris Ikonomidis also proved to be a lively threat on the wing.
Central Coast-Newcastle Jets 1-2
The Novocastrians recorded a vital win over the Mariners in the F3 derby, snaping their three-match losing run in the process.
The Jets took the lead 12 minutes in, thanks to forward Trent Buhagiar who tapped the ball in following teammate Daniel Stynes’ excellent pass across goal.
The Gosford side soon recovered as Socceroo Jason Cummings found an equaliser (53′) but Newcastle’s own marksman Beka Mikeltadze had the final say on the contest, heading in from a corner (66′) to guarantee the three points.
Young defender Nectarios Triantis played the first 74 minutes for Central Coast before coming off.
Jets manager Arthur Papas was elated with the fight his side showedas they earned their first derby win under his tenure.
“It’s important to win this game and to leave here with three points. It could have been different, of course, but, like I said, they really were resilient and robust when they needed to be and were able to hurt them when we had the opportunities,” Mr Papas said to media post-match.
Sydney FC-Melbourne City 2-1
The Sydneysiders secured a statement success over City on Saturday evening to get their season immediately back on track following the World Cup break.
Sydney got off to a poor start after captain Luke Brattan handled the ball in the penalty area, with Socceroos striker Jamie Maclaren converting from the spot (22′), making it seven straight league games where he has found the back of the net.
The Sky Blues immediately brought it level, as winger Joe Lolley finished off an attack from the kick-off (23′), before his English compatriot, Adam le Fondre, found the winner in his return game from injury, scoring just three minutes after coming off the bench (61′).
Sydney coach Steve Corica was thrilled with his team’s win, identifying their friendly win against Celtic during the World Cup break as a huge confidence boost for the squad.
“It was a fantastic performance, a great result and I think after the Celtic game the boys had a great belief in what they can do,” Mr Corica said to media post-match.
Perth Glory-Western United 2-1
Western United have succumb to another defeat as their title defence seems to be spiralling out of control.
Glory took the lead after an amazing goal from winger Ryan Williams, whose cross from the byline somehow sailed over goalkeeper Jamie Young and into the back of the net (14′).
Peth doubled their advantage with a wonderful curling finish into the top right by left back Jack Clisby (52′), with Western midfielder Neil Kilkenny halving the deficit after his free kick delivery crept into the right side of the goal.
Centre back Leo Lacroix was handed a red card in the 90+7th minute to sour an already poor night for the travelling Melbourne team.
Wellington Phoenix-Western Sydney 1-1
The Wanderers were able to salvage a draw after an equaliser and club debut goal from former Panathinaikos winger Yeni N’Gbakoto.
The Phoenix went ahead in the 61st minute after a header from a cross by midfielder Bozhidar Kraev but the Paramatta-based club were able to draw level after N’Gbakoto’s free kick delivery somehow made its way into the net without any player able to interfere with it (79′).
Brisbane Roar-Adelaide United 1-1
A late penalty allowed Brisbane to earn a point in the round’s opening game on Friday night.
Adelaide broke through in the 72nd minute via striker George Blackwood’s effort from a corner before the Reds were given a late disadvantage after captain Isaias was sent off following two yellow cards in the 84th and 88th minutes respectively.
The Queenslanders were awarded a penalty which captain Jay O’Shea hit down the middle, stealing a point as a result (90+4′).
A-League Ladder (teams with a game in hand)
1-Melbourne City: 16
2-Western Sydney: 14
3-Adelaide Utd: 12
4-Sydney FC: 10
5-Melbourne Victory: 10
6-Newcastle Jets: 9 (6)
7-Macarthur FC: 8
8-Central Coast: 7 (6)
9-Wellington Phoenix: 7
9-Brisbane Roar: 7 (6)
12-Perth Glory: 6 (6)
12-Western Utd: 4
