A LOOK AT ROUND TWO OF THE A-LEAGUE
THEY SAID IT - "If a keeper saves it, every single pen will be retaken I think because I can't remember one where they've kept their foot on the line and saved it, so it's just the way it is. That's the rule." - Mariners coach Alen Stajcic on another controversial VAR decision in their draw with Newcastle.
MAN OF THE ROUND - Jamie Maclaren has been the name on everyone's lips with his goalscoring prowess for the Socceroos and in the FFA Cup. He took that form into the A-League, bagging a five-minute brace to secure Melbourne City a 2-1 win against Adelaide United.
STAT ATTACK - Kristian Popovic, son of Tony, had been on the field for just eight minutes when he headed home Neil Kilkenny's pinpoint delivery to salvage Perth Glory a point against Western United. It was also his first A-League goal - at just 18.
TALKING POINT - Perth Glory earned plenty of engagement across social media and beyond when their kits failed to arrive in Melbourne ahead of their clash with Western United - forcing them to don training kits for the clash.
BEAT THAT - Keanu Baccus doesn't score many goals but his effort against Melbourne Victory was one to remember. Fellow Wanderers youngsters Nick Sullivan and Mo Adam were involved in the build-up, before Baccus rifled home a delightful long-range finish.
UNDER PRESSURE - After two home games to open the season, Melbourne Victory have just one point and one goal - a penalty - to their name. It's early doors but unless Marco Kurz can deliver a win soon, the pressure will come quick.
INJURIES - Ben Halloran missed Adelaide's clash with Melbourne City through illness.
WHAT'S NEXT - It's a blockbuster week of football ahead, starting with the FFA Cup final between Adelaide United and Melbourne City. Then, Western Sydney will host Sydney FC in a table-topping Sydney derby, held at Bankwest Stadium for the first time. Western United will host Melbourne City in their first local derby.
Australian Associated Press
