As the dust settles on a 2-0 win over crosstown rivals Melbourne Victory last weekend, the City boys now turn all focus to this Sunday, where, tasked with the tricky Wellington Phoenix, a win would see the continuation of our 100% record to start of the season.
As the rounds progress, fans are starting to get a better understanding of the playing group this year. Whilst this answers many queries from preseason, it also perhaps leaves some talking points open for discussion.
With that said, here are three things to look out for ahead of Sunday afternoon's clash:
Continuing to set the bar
Patrick Kisnorbo’s perfect start to the season so far is already a new personal best for him in his young management career.
Perhaps surprisingly, PK’s first two seasons in charge saw the would-be Premiers drop points within the first three games on both occasions, so going three from three is a nice change for City fans to start off a season.
So, whilst this current group is already off to their best-ever start (only Jamieson was at the club for Warren Joyce's four-game winning streak to start the 2017/18 campaign), undoubtedly the goal will be to continue this run and roll onto four from four.
During the preseason, Scott Galloway and Marco Tilio jumped on the ‘Unlaced Podcast’ which is run by former A-League player Jake Barker-Daish. During this chat, Galloway mentioned that the goal for the group was to go undefeated. At the time, the call sounded outlandish considering the lackluster preseason the boys had experienced, and even now, any team aiming for invincibility is unlikely, however it’s clearly the goal.
With two of last year’s main Premiership rivals in Western United and Melbourne Victory swiftly disposed of early on, City has taken nine points from a possible nine; perfection.
City is now presented with quite a nice run of fixtures over the next three weeks which could be priceless on our hunt for an unprecedented hattrick of Premierships.
A win against Wellington on Sunday will continue to put us in the best possible position to reach that mark and ultimately continue to set the bar for Australian football.
Bos or Tilio?
The topic on everyone’s lips: who is the priority?
City currently is in possession of arguably the best front three in the league, as well as two of its most exciting youngsters who are also trying to break into that front three, so who gets the nod?
Tilio’s task is now probably even harder due to Bos continuing to excel in the advanced parts of the pitch. If you look at last week's Derby, not only did Bos keep Nani in his back pocket the entire night (although allowing him out from time to time to roll around on the floor and give away penalties), Bos also offered an attacking output that left City fans' mouths watering.
Tilio also had about three chances to get his name on the score sheet and to put the game to bed, but just couldn’t find the final product.
This is unfortunately starting to become a common theme of Marco’s games of late and will surely be weighing on PK’s mind, especially when Bos continues to take his game to the next level.
Both players are sure to frequent the squad, Bos is playing out of his skin and we all know what Tilio can do when at his best.
Who is first in line currently? Both sides can be argued, but they’ll have to be at their best to keep each other off their tails.
Having so much quality and depth that it forces players to be at their very best is surely nothing but a positive for City fans though. After all, there’s nothing wrong with some friendly competition, right?
Let’s score some goals
City by numbers currently has the second-most potent attack in the competition with six goals, only one behind Sydney FC on seven.
However as previously mentioned by fellow Talking City member Josh Gribling, those goals feel a bit ‘meh’. With two penalties and two own-goals making up four of those six, it flatters us a bit. I’m by no means intending to downplay our performances, we’ve continued to create chances and the only way you get penalties or create own-goals is if you continue to pile on pressure, something City has done very well so far.
However, with the Phoenix holding the equal-worst defensive record in terms of goals conceded this season, City has an opportunity to put a few in the back of the net if all goes well.
With a goal difference of +5 already, putting a few past the Nix this week would improve upon that even greater, complimenting a possible perfect start quite nicely.
Here’s hoping PK can get the squad playing good old ‘City ball’ and give the fans a bit of a show.
The performances by the boys in City blue have had a hand in putting some pre-season worries to bed for many City fans this season. However, you are only ever as good as your last game, and we know PK is never one to settle.
A strong start to the season has been wonderful, but it is only of value if the squad can continue to take advantage of it and extend upon it even further.
Heading into the game undefeated and off the back of beating our arch-rivals, there’s never been a better time to pack the stands and get behind the boys.
Score prediction: 4-0 City
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