Rollercoaster high-scoring draws are exciting games on the day, however they’re the ones that teams often regret later in the season.
After last night’s 3-3 draw against Newcastle Jets, Melbourne Heart players and fans must be still feeling a range of emotions. When you’re 2-0 up at home within the first 5 minutes, you’d rightfully feel you had a grip on 3 points. Even after the Jets came back to level 2-2, Heart took the lead again and the home ground support was back to believing the 3 points were ours. Unfortunately those hopes were dashed in the dying minutes when the Jets scored from a questionable penalty. And at season’s end the loss of two points in games like this could be a real source of disappointment.
On the upside, there was little to be disappointed about in Heart’s renewed hunger for attacking football, despite the muggy conditions. Aloisi’s criticism of last week had clearly forced the team to refocus and they looked determined to prove they can win at home.
This game had heightened interest for football fans, with Emile Heskey’s involvement in his first A-league game in Melbourne. His bulking presence added to his reputation. He rarely looked like scoring though, being well contained by Gerhardt. Maybe that focus on the former EPL player helped draw attention away from Jets players like Goodwin and Zadkovich who popped up to score second half goals. Goodwin’s contribution was the other main point of interest – our former youth star scored with his first touch within 2 mins of coming on as a sub. A word of advice to the Heart fans who gave him stick while he warmed up – try ignoring a former player next time rather than egg them on to prove you wrong.
Our defensive lapses aside, Garcia was man of the match with his two goals but more importantly his experience and attacking impetus is benefiting the whole team. Williams is growing as an exciting creater of opportunities, whileTadic played well again and his penalty strike was superb. Fred looked out of sorts after so many games out but it was great to see him back. Special mention goes to the supporter with his ‘Just Shoot!’ banner – there were a few times when the Jets defence opened up and the direct approach would have been the best option. But with 7 goals scored in our last two home games, things are definitely looking up. Well done Heart!