1. Western Sydney Wanderers (1)
The Wanderers have now won seven straight games, taking them four points clear at the top of the table. This weekend's scalp, that of the champion Victory, will make the achievement all the more satisfying. This was built up as the game of the season and it lived up to every bit of the hype. Mark Bridge's fourth goal in four games put the home side in charge, before the only man capable of challenging Aaron Mooy for player of the A-League honours, Romeo Castelen, put the result beyond doubt. The Wanderers are playing incredible football and are well worth their position on top of the table.
2. Melbourne City (3)
Melbourne City have absolutely disposed of their last three opponents, banging in 14 goals over those three games. Their four-nil win over the Jets, away from home, has shown again what this side is capable of. The main man? (copies from last week, and the week before etc) Aaron Mooy. This man is an absolute treat to watch, as is his side. They have now scored 27 goals this season, eleven more than the two sides above them, the Roar and Wanderers. Next week's Melbourne derby will be an absolute ripper.
3. Melbourne Victory (2)
The Victory have now lost two straight, something that no one really saw coming just a few weeks ago. Fans of the side won't be happy walking away without a point, but they can be proud of the part their side played in a BRILLIANT game on Saturday night. After a slow start, the Victory took over the game and had the better of the first half. Although they were overrun in the second half, the way they withstood a brilliant Wanderer barrage, and a massive and loud crowd, is to be admired. They'll be back.
4. Brisbane Roar (4)
The Roar are back in the winner's circle and would have advanced if not for circumstances around them. Heading into the break at one-nil down against the Phoenix, the Roar may have been questioning their decision to take a home game to Cairns. Their second half effort, and two late goals ensured they took maximum points out of their northern adventure. This side is capable of playing some mouth-watering attacking football, but wins like this one are worth their weight in gold. They faced adversity and came through.
5. Sydney FC (5)
Sydney FC sit fifth on the table, with four wins, four draws and two losses. That perfectly sums up their season to date, as does their fifth place in the rankings; inconsistent. Fans of the former Bling FC took to social media to question where the flair had gone from their attack. In Adelaide they were again without said flair, but they did show plenty of grit and heart. Having been reduced to ten men before the half hour, they fought hard and almost came away with a point if not for a stoppage time penalty. Coach Arnold was very vocal about his disgust about the decision, but the source of his frustration may be coming from his side's inconsistency in front of goal.
6. Adelaide United (7)
Adelaide United recorded their second straight win with a stoppage time penalty goal to Marcelo Carrusca. Sydney, having been reduced to ten men, put up a solid fight, but Adelaide were too good in the end. Jimmy Jeggo recovered from a horror tackle by the red carded Alex Gersbach to put his name on the scoresheet on the hour mark. Holosko's clever finish put FC back in the game but the home side escaped with the win due to the 94th minute spot kick. Some encouraging signs are coming out of Coopers stadium. We will see if Adelaide can continue their form on the road.
7. Wellington Phoenix (6)
The Phoenix are unlucky to fall a place after beating the champions last week, but Adelaide's two straight wins has them in slightly better form. The Phoenix travelled north to Cairns to play in some pretty crazy heat, and it looked for parts of the game as though they would again net three points in unusual conditions. After taking the lead just after the half hour mark, the Phoenix lead until the last twenty minutes where they conceded two goals. To concede a goal so late will infuriate Ernie Merrick, but he can be happy with his side's efforts in oppressive heat.
8. Perth Glory (10)
The Glory are off the bottom of the table due to a come from behind win at home over the Mariners. At one-nil down at halftime, Glory fans could have been forgiven for expecting a repeat of the week prior, but their side came out and did the business in the second half. Nebojsa Marinkovic netted twice to send a small but vocal crowd home happy. Garcia should have put it beyond date late in the piece, but the Mariners were unable to take advantage of the missed opportunity. They have a huge week ahead but it has started well.
9. Newcastle Jets (8)
The Jets are unlucky to slip to eighth, as they sit just one spot outside the top six, but their form over the past month has not been good. To be beaten four-nil at home at any time is embarrassing, but it really could have been worse. The Jets started well and should have been a goal up inside the opening minutes. It may have completely changed the complexion of the contest, but the game is not played in hypotheticals. The Jets need goals, having only scored nine all season. Jets keeper Mark Birighitti has been supreme in goals, but not even his heroics could stop the rout.
10. Central Coast Mariners (9)
The Mariners begun the season in first place on these rankings yet sit tenth after ten rounds. Knowing his side was desperate for a win, Tony Walmsley added Matt Sim to the forward line and his energy seemed to spur his side on. Roy O'Donovan's 28th minute strike put the travelling side into a lead they held to half time. Unfortunately two goals to Nebojsa Marinkovic put an end to any plans they had of leaving nib Stadium with a point, the performance was slightly improved. Given they are winless in nine, this is an opportunity they let slip when they really couldn't afford to.
