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Writer's pictureChristian Marchetti

Three conclusions as Macarthur edge past Wanderers in inaugural match

Macarthur FC started their A-League history as a club on the right note, edging past rivals the Western Sydney Wanderers in the league's newest derby.


Below are our three key conclusions from the new club's 1-0 win.


Welcome Macarthur


The Bulls immediately adapted to life in the A-League tonight, showcasing a recognisable style and a strong understanding.


Like most other clubs in the league, they adopted a possession-based style and showed no fear in breaking the deadlock and taking the game to their city rivals.


Puyo, Genreau and Najjar were particularly impressive in the first half, with the rotations of positions and triangle passing combinations highlighting the visitor's style.


Star signing Beñat also made a perfect introduction to the league as his free-kick struck captain Milligan before beating Wanderers keeper Daniel Margush.


That goal proved to be the winner as the new team in Western Sydney got bragging rights on their new rivals and made an excellent first impression.


Wanderers new boys struggle


The Wanderers late off-season signings of James Troisi, Bernie Ibini and Ziggy Gordon have been well-documented of late, mainly due to their controversial nature.


Based on this evidence, they will need time to gel into Carl Robinson's squad too.


Gordon wasn't too bad, but Troisi and Ibini struggled to adapt to the manager's direct and high-intensity style.


Robinson probably won't want Troisi to take the amount of time on the ball he usually does, whilst Ibini looked unfit and not ready to start.


The other major signing of Graham Dorrans was also ineffectual, but again he must be given time to adapt.


The Wanderers need time as a playing squad, particularly with Robinson's direct style being relatively new for most of their players.


Federici comes up big


Macarthur may have created more throughout the ninety, but the Wanderers arguably had the best chances.


However, they could not find a way past the Bull's veteran Aussie keeper, with Adam Federici making a string of outstanding saves.


The two most notable stops came from Simon Cox and Keanu Baccus's violent attempts either side of halftime.


The 35-year-old kept his concentration all game, as he denied Kwame Yeboah deep into stoppage time as well.


Having an experienced goalkeeper only further strengthens their claim for an impressive inaugural season.


In tight games, Ante Milicic will want his number one to bail the side out and retain a stalemate or a win.


Tonight was a great start.

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