Sydney FC hit four past abject Adelaide United to stay unbeaten

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:50 am

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Sydney FC maintained their unbeaten start to the season after thrashing Adelaide United 4-0 at Coopers Stadium on Monday night.

The A-League leaders delivered a knockout performance in the Boxing Day clash, embarrassing the Reds with three second-half goals.

The result leaves Adelaide rooted to the foot of the table with just one win this campaign.

United had a great chance early in the first half when Sergio Cirio reacted quickest to a poor Sydney clearance, but his first time shot from 10 metres was directed straight at Danny Vukovic.

A minute later and Sydney's Brazilian striker Bobo drew a save from United keeper Eugene Galekovic from a tight angle after turning his opponent inside the area.

Sydney did eventually break the deadlock on 34 minutes after Filip Holosko powered his shot past Galekovic at the near post. His initial free kick was blocked by the Reds defensive wall, but took out James Holland in the process. While Holland was left dazed and on all fours, Holosko ghosted past the midfielder unmarked and latched onto a pass from Rhyan Grant before firing into the net.

Eight minutes after the restart, the visitors extended their lead catching United on the break with a swift counter. Milos Ninkovic tore down the right flank and carried the ball almost to the touch line before cutting it back for Alex Brosque to poke home from close range.

The Reds' night went from bad to worse following another counter which completely sliced open the Reds defence on 64 minutes. Ninkovic collected his second assist for the night when he played Rhyan Grant through who finished his one-on-one effort past Galekovic with ease.

Two minutes later Sydney made it 4-0 after more lacklustre defending from the Reds. Brosque ran unchecked through the heart of Adelaide's defence and tapped into an empty net after Holosko's shot rebounded back off the upright.