Mariners magic? Sydney can't fire without Antonis?

They missed beating the greatest team in Australian football by four minutes in the Grand Final last year - and even with a few Olyroos missing they still comfortably accounted for an in-form Sydney FC.

Bernie Ibini-Isei has lifted the Mariners. Younger than McBreen more skilled than Matt Simon he's a forward with an increasing goal threat. And he's young.

Sydney are supposed to be super fit this year, but the Mariners had them on toast.

Sydney took, like Melbourne Victory, way too long to move the ball in attacking areas. Too many touches and Terry McFlynn was clearly wanting to get out of this game early. His tackles, even after being booked were pathetic.

Sydney had the ball plenty in the first half, but don't have a goal threat at the pointy end. Mark Bridge is not a goal threat. He missed again - and how Sydney need a strikers goal early.

Not fast to transition in attack and despite an improved midfield Sydney can't produce an effective final ball. Then again Bridge the sole striker is no Archie Thompson or Shane Smeltz. He's not fast and doesnt run off the shoulder. In short he's not looking to score is he?

Terry Antonis looked exhausted and Sydney had little to excite.

Vitaslav has never produced exciting teams - Champion winning but never exciting. And he seems to be working hard on slowing down the attacking opportunities in this team.

Michael Beauchamp did a Liam Reddy - and was punished. Sydney conceded three - you can't win if you do that can you?

How Vitaslav must have looked longingly at the battering ram style and running of the Mariners strikers. Not to mention the skill of Bernie.

No Oliver Bozanic, no Matt Ryan and Musti Amini coming off the bench - I'd rather be Arnie than Vitaslav on this form.

Then again Sydney have a style of play suitable for away days - and when Terry Antonis fires Sydney will still win this year - just not at home!