5 points on Victory 3-2 Gold Coast

Here are 5 tactical points on the Victory's desperate 3-2 triumph against Gold Coast. The match was highly unusual for a number of reasons. Firstly, the referee was probably more of an influence on the outcome of this match than any of the players, handing out a red card and two penalties to the home team, as well as a host of yellow cards. But both managers also bungled their tactics, which made for early modifications. 

Gold Coast 1-2 Heart: Match Analysis

This match was an intriguing tactical proposition and a prime example of why pure 4-4-2's, in its attacking incarnation, have become obsolete, and why striker-less 4-6-0's are the future. Gold Coast were completely overwhelmed in midfield, the classy Dutch pair of Beekmans and Jungschlager were overrun by Heart, who were able to deploy four players in central midfield, yet still field two wingers, by ditching a central striker. 

The pattern of play was established early, after Thompson pilfered an early goal. Heart dominated the rest of the first period, monopolising possession and chances. Gold Coast retained a threat through the predatory Rigters, whose direct and aggressive running very nearly undid Madaschi on the counter-attack, as well as dangerous deliveries by Jungschlager at set pieces. Bleiburg's tactical changes after the break allowed Gold Coast to get back into the contest, but their equaliser was then cancelled out by Germano's late goal. 

Brisbane 3-0 Gold Coast: Match Analysis

This was a frenetic contest between the two bitter Queensland rivals. Miron Bleiburg did his homework, learning the lessons from Central Coast's and Sydney's previous defeats to the Roar. Despite the unflattering scoreline, Gold Coast had quite threatening periods of play, especially in the first half, and are justified in feeling unlucky to concede three against their neighbours. The first goal was a case of weak defending at a set-piece, while the third goal was a result of carelessness in possession. The second goal was a fantastic effort by the Oranje; a superb through ball by Murdocca coupled with a determined run and clinical finish by Berisha. It was Rigters however, who was culpable in his defending.

Queensland Derby Preview

Later tonight will see the flamboyant Miron Bleiburg take his Gold Coast squad to face the reigning champions Brisbane Roar in the Queensland Derby.

Gold Coast 1-1 Wellington: Match Analysis

This was a match between two clubs with broadly similar systems; 4-2-3-1's, but vastly different interpretations. Gold Coast and Wellington had spells of dominance, with the biggest influence on ascension being the performance of the respective fullbacks; it's no coincidence Gold Coast's best spells during the game coincided with Traore overlapping and attacking Paston, while Wellington's advantageous passages of play coincided with Muscat advancing into midfield.

Gold Coast United 2011-12 Season Preview

Storm clouds obscure the normally searing sunshine of Skilled Park. The established spine of the playing squad has been ripped out and scattered to the wind. One-year contract journeymen and a host of youth team players are the only replacements. And a seemingly uninterested Gold Coast community at odds with the eccentric billionaire owner keeps crowd numbers hovering around 2000 and home games saddled with the atmosphere of a tramp's funeral. Is there any hope left?

A-League Pre-Season Form Guide

FourFourTwo AU put together a useful guide to the club's results in offseason. These results should probably be taken with a grain of salt; obviously clubs were still making signings, players were still coming back from injury, and managers were giving some youngsters experience - so it's unlikely that clubs consistently sent out their strongest available line-up, or even played in their preferred style.

Nevertheless, there's still utility in seeing how many games clubs lost, how many goals were conceded, and who has scoring form going into the regular season. It should be noted how notoriously unrealiable pre-season results are as predicators of regular season success; in the 4 seasons in which the A-League held a Pre-Season Cup, only one of the Cup winners went on to become Premiers or Champions. Quick summary below.