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Six things we learned from round three of the A-League: Melbourne City’s post-derby triumph boasting, Newcastle Jets flying high and Perth covering itself in Glory
- Melbourne City is the first drivers in the A-League after three laps
- Western Sydney Wanderers and Newcastle Jets also started well
- Perth Glory reached the top six after a shocking 2-1 by Central Coast Mariners
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In what was a nightmare weekend for some tipsters, the third round of the A-League action held many surprises.
At the top, Melbourne City maintained their perfect record after beating Victory 2-0 in the derby at AAMI Park.
In form, striker Jamie Maclaren found the back of the net – his fourth in three games – before an own goal sealed the result for Patrick Kisnorbo’s side, who look in ominous form.
Keeping City fair is the league’s surprise package in Newcastle.
Arthur Papas has his Jets buzzing, and they stood out after easily beating Wellington Phoenix 3-1.
Jamie Maclaren didn’t hurt his Socceroo call for World Cup opportunities, scoring in Melbourne City’s 2-0 derby win over Victory at AAMI Park
A-League journeyman Trent Buhagiar was on the scoresheet for Newcastle in their 3-1 win over Wellington
They scored three times before halftime and play a kind of entrepreneurial football that will continue to bring fans through the gate.
Marko Rudan’s Western Sydney Wanderers dropped their first points of the season after a 1-1 draw against Brisbane at Commbank Stadium.
These are the kind of games the Wanderers need to win if they want to play in the semi-finals, especially as they took an early lead, dominated possession and had more shots on target.
Former EPL star Charlie Austin opened his account for The Roar.
Perth delivered the biggest shock of the round, coming from behind to beat a disappointing Central Coast 2-1 in Gosford.
Tipped by many pundits and fans to finish with another wooden spoon, Glory is now in the top six, with Giordano Colli and Aaron McEneff scoring on either side of halftime.
Elsewhere, Sydney FC and Adelaide played out a pulse-pounding 2-2 draw at Allianz Stadium, with Hiroshi Ibusuki’s red card in the first half being the main talking point.
The decision stunned many, with the match review panel later withdrawing the decision, which was deemed a “clear foul” by referee Daniel Elder.
Oddly enough, the VAR agreed with Elder’s hasty decision, which left Reds coach Carl Veart understandably furious.
Western United are still at the bottom of the table, but John Aloisi is said to have been encouraged by the enthusiasm his team displayed in a 1-1 draw with Macarthur FC.