End-to-End: Round 7

Taking a look at all the weekend’s action, we investigate who had a thoroughly enjoyable weekend and who couldn't wait for the sound of their Monday alarm.

With the A-League well and truly underway, the top four teams in the competition have made themselves clear to everyone. However, while the top four seem clear-cut for the moment, the order of the next six is a mystery. Two of the league’s preseason favourites are currently in the bottom three.

Losers
Just six weeks into the season, and the first coaching casualty has occurred. Brisbane Roar’s Mike Mulvey ‘stepped down’ following the Roar’s 1-0 loss to Melbourne Victory on the weekend. The result left Brisbane with just one win from their first six matches. While the record is a disappointing one, there were signs of improvement from the Roar in recent weeks. They dismantled the Newcastle Jets 4-0 two weeks ago, and an unfortunate own goal cost them a point on the weekend. It is being reported that Brisbane’s Indonesia owners, the Bakrie Group, forced Mulvey out. If this is the case it is disgraceful treatment of a coach who just six months ago lead them to the Championship double.

It was another tough weekend for the Newcastle Jets, in both the A-League and W-League. The men’s team failed yet again to register a win, drawing with the Western Sydney Wanderers to remain in ninth position. While the Women’s team went down 4-0 to the Victory, a significant blow to their finals hopes.

While things aren’t going well in the Hunter, things are not much better in Western Sydney. Sitting in last position on both the A-League and W-League ladders, this domestic season has been nothing to write home about for the Wanderers. With Tony Popovic at the helm, there is no need to panic yet, but they need to start producing the results, as they are already five wins adrift of the top two.


Winners
With Besart Berisha on their side, the Victory managed to claim all three points against the Brisbane Roar. Berisha has had a terrific start to his Victory career, currently joint top scorer with Perth’s Andy Keogh. Berisha has been a major part of the Victory’s offence, which has produced the most goals by any team in the opening six rounds. Another positive for the Victory is their women’s team, which secured a finals berth on the weekend. Their form has been up and down all season, but now have the opportunity to claim back-to-back titles.

Sydney FC is enjoying life under Graham Arnold. Undefeated through the first seven rounds, Sydney’s four goals conceded is good enough to be the joint best defensive record in the league. A Particular highlight from their weekend play was Marc Janko. With only one goal from the opening five rounds, Syndey FC were hoping for more from their big Austrian striker and he certainly delivered. A great header goal was followed up with the eventual winner, when Janko picked up on a loose pass at the back.

Rounding out our winners for the week is another undefeated team, Adelaide United. The Gombau revolution is well underway in Adelaide. His Barcelona style play, mixed with talented international imports, has given Adelaide an attacking flair rarely seen in the A-League. However, Gombau’s success at Adelaide could come back to hurt them, with speculation gathering that J-League Clubs are interested in signing the Spaniard.