After losing 2-0 in the 2nd round of the 2022/23 A-League Men season to Melbourne City, Brisbane Roar realised that they needed to plug their defensive holes.
Fast forward to late January, and the side has transformed into a figurative brick wall.
Brisbane’s 0-0 draw with Melbourne on Saturday night reflected a shift in mindset and tactics.
Whereas they hesitated and allowed City to dictate terms in round two, Roar’s latest fixture saw them employ an aggressive press and take the fight to their more fancied opposition.
It was a move cooked up by coach Warren Moon, and the players duly executed.
“The intent from us tonight was to not just sit back,” Moon said post-game.
“We learned a lot from when we played them in round two.”
The high press allowed Brisbane to also create opportunities of their own, albeit to no avail.
Regardless, the more proactive style of play had the coach beaming with pride in his men’s performance.
“Really delighted with the boys tonight, I thought they deserved that and on another night we probably could’ve deserved all three points,” Moon said.
“I think we were the better team tonight and had better chances and moments.”
Walking away with one point against the top team in the ALM further validates the Roar’s proclivity to value defence over attack as the foundation of their game.
“We haven’t grafted the wins we’ve needed, but we’re strong defensively, we stay in every game and that’s really important,” Moon said.
While the fruits of their labour are yet to be fully enjoyed, Brisbane’s continued focus on preventing the opposition keeps them well and truly in the hunt for finals.
Feature Image Credit: Brisbane Roar FC
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