Dan Nichols
With the first week of season 11 of the A-League in the books, three teams managed to secure maximum points, while there were two draws.
After the completion of each round of the A-League season, we will present our power rankings.
For those who have not seen power rankings in the past, it is not necessarily ranked on the league table, although wins do count heavily.
As well as wins, form is a major factor, as is quality of opposition and home/away fixtures.
More generally, it is a ranking of who we believe the best team in the league to be right now, on form.
1. Central Coast Mariners
The Mariners set the early pace after their amazing 3-2 victory over Perth on Saturday afternoon. Despite being far from a thrashing, the end result flattered the travelling Glory, who were outplayed for the majority of the game. An early O'Donovan goal set the hosts on their way before a Ferreira double from the penalty spot gave them a well-deserved 3-1 lead. Although they did have to weather a late storm from the Glory, including a late goal, they held on to bank a deserved three points. The Mariners provided plenty to be excited about for their fans in 90 minutes and look like they're going to play plenty of attacking football this season.
2. Brisbane Roar
The Roar started their season with a dominant 3-1 victory away from home to former Grand Final sparing partners the Wanderers. The Roar's first half performance was about as complete as you could possibly ask for in the opening round of the season. To go away from home, in round one and play an attacking game and score three goals - well the Roar fans could not have asked for much more. Thomas Broich was once again the man pulling all the strings in midfield, while two goals to Olyroo Jamie Maclaren should fill him with huge confidence. They will welcome star Matt McKay back from Socceroos duty next week when they host fellow high flyers the Mariners in what should be an open game full of chances.
3. Newcastle Jets
Veteran David Carney was the star in the Jets' upset victory across the Tasman over Wellington. The Jets pushed a reset button during the off-season and it seems to have paid dividends if their opening 90 minutes is anything to go by. The Jets were far from perfect and allowed the Phoenix plenty of opportunities, but what they offered going forward should give them confidence as they host Sydney FC next weekend. As previously mentioned, former Socceroo David Carney turned back the clock, with a goal and an assist. Kije Lee's assist for the first goal was a thing of beauty.
4. Melbourne City
City were minus plenty of talent as they travelled to fellow title favourites Sydney FC, but would be the slightly happier of the two sides having gained a point away from home. Marquee man Aaron Mooy came on in the second half after Socceroos duty and looked dangerous, however, he will benefit from a rest and will be far more involved in future games. Despite conceding 10 shots to three, City made their limited chances count. Young Dekker scored on his A-League debut. Thomas Sorensen looked brilliant between the posts and his last minute save was worth every bit of the point it preserved. They will welcome back plenty of talent in the coming weeks and should produce far better in the near future.
5. Melbourne Victory
A frustrating performance for the defending champions saw them draw a blank against their heated rivals Adelaide. Truth be told it was not the greatest game to watch, but a point away from home is a point away from home. Unfortunately for the Victory, their timing was off, as they conceded eight off-sides, some of which should have led to chances. To their credit, they did scramble well after being reduced to ten men after stand-in skipper Leigh Broxham was shown a second yellow, which should not have been awarded.
6. Sydney FC
On paper, Saturday night's game looked to be a very close game, but given the weight of opportunities, Sydney FC will probably be ruing two dropped points, rather than celebrating one earned. If not for a miracle save in the closing moments, the Sky Blues would have earned what they deserved, three points. Instead of celebrating victory, Sydney FC continue their terrible form at Allianz Stadium. Encouragingly Mark Janko's replacement Filip Hološko continued the Austrian's scoring exploits. Alex Brosque continues to confirm his status of one of the A-League's best.
7. Adelaide United
After being handed a one-man advantage for the final 18 minutes, plus injury time, United probably should have taken advantage. Overall the Victory were the better side, but Adelaide had their moments. Adelaide's pass accuracy needs to improve, at only 76% they allowed 38 pass interceptions. Guillermo Amor's men did not turn it on for his first game in charge, however, it was hardly all doom and gloom, as they could and probably should have, pinched the game and the points late on.
8. Wellington Phoenix
Unfortunately for the Phoenix, it was a case of what could have been. Krishna's weak penalty attempt continued the club's horror run from the spot. Despite the miss, the home side should have created more, especially with an 11 on 10 advantage for the last ten minutes. Wellington probably offered the most of the losing sides in terms of chances created, but lacked that killer instinct in front of goal.
9. Perth Glory
The Glory looked to continue their impressive FFA Cup form that has seen them earn a spot in the final four of the tournament. Unfortunately for the away side, they ran into a red hot Mariners side. Glory fans will point to the fact it took two penalties to put their side away, but it must be said that both penalties were spot on and came about due to defensive errors in the box. After falling behind behind 3-1, the passes started to stick and Sidney's introduction certainly pay dividends going forward. They forced a few late saves from Liam Reddy and ensured a grandstand finish with a late consolation goal.
10. Western Sydney Wanderers
Unfortunately for the Wanderers, their season begun the same way their 2014-15 season went, showing signs of brilliance, but ultimately falling short. Mitch Nichols impressed on his A-League debut for the club, scoring a clever goal and having a hand in plenty of attacking moves. As good as the Wanderers were in attack, they were shaky in defence. Dario Vidosic got some valuable minutes under his belt, but will be expected to become far more involved in the near future. There was certainly enough there to suggest the Wanderers can improve on last season, however, they have to quickly plug their defensive leaks.
