Five moments from Melbourne City v Adelaide United in Round 4 of the Hyundai A-League 2014/15 Season
1. Reds’ Slow Start
Adelaide United got off to a slow start against Melbourne City last night. The Reds were unable to gain much momentum, or generate their usual flowing football early in the game, in stark contrast with last week when United came out firing right from kickoff. Melbourne City took the game right to Adelaide in the early stages, and David Villa and Damien Duff were particularly threatening. In the fifth minute Duff sent a David Villa cross goalwards with such force that it popped out of Galekovic’s gloves and onto the post. It was an absolute bullet from Duff, but didn’t translate onto the scoreboard, Adelaide dodging a bullet themselves. Just four minutes later, City’s pressure on Adelaide’s defence resulted in the first goal of the night, when Patrick Kisnorbo headed home a Duff cross. It was all City early, as the Reds looked to weather the storm.
2. Snatching the Momentum
Towards the end of the first half United wrestled back the momentum and started to regain their red hot form from previous weeks. United’s charge eventually resulted in a delightful headed goal from Bruce Djite in the 38h minute, made possible by an equally delightful Tarek Elrich cross. Djite’s goal confirmed that the momentum had swung entirely back United’s way, as the Reds headed into half time in control.
3. Kamau’s Instant Impact off the Bench
It was déjà vu for the Reds as Bruce Kamau entered the match mid way through the second half. Kamau instigated United’s game clinching goal, and sent a close range deflection over the bar soon after, as United fans swore to themselves they’d seen this movie before. Or at least a similar one which starred Awer Mabil. Kamau was fantastic for United, getting in behind the City defence, receiving a through ball from Isaias, before being brought down by City keeper Andrew Redmayne.
4. An Eventful Evening for Marcelo Carrusca
With Kamau winning Adelaide a penalty, cue Marcelo Carrusca and a superb strike – stuck so wide in the net that Redmayne dove the right way and was still some distance away – and Adelaide had come from 1-0 down to seal a 2-1 win. Carrusca was a pivotal part of Adelaide regaining the momentum half way through the night, orchestrating multiple ominous pushes forward by the Reds. The Reds playmaker also attempted to slot home what would’ve been one of the goals of the season, pinching the ball in midfield and going for home from just over half way. Redmayne was well up the ground but was let off the hook when Carrusca’s shot ultimately went wide.
5. Undefeated heading into home Sydney FC clash
Adelaide’s latest win caps a terrific start to the season. United remain undefeated heading into Friday’s home clash against Sydney FC. Having claimed 10 out of the possible 12 points on offer so far, Adelaide will head into next week’s contest as favourites.
