A dazzling performance from Daniel Arzani helped Macarthur claim their first win of the season as the Socceroo winger scored one and set-up another in a 2-0 win over Adelaide United on Sunday.
In his first home A-League match for the Bulls, Arzani instantly endeared himself to his new fans with a man of the match performance at Campbelltown Stadium.
His first was a calmly slotted finish before the half-hour before Arzani set-up Lachlan Rose for the Bulls’ second with a clever run and cross.
“I still think there’s a lot to come, but its a step in the right direction where he’s concerned,” Bulls coach Dwight Yorke said.
“Whenever you have someone who is good as him and as talented as him, he needs to do the ugly side of the game and we’ve seen a bit of everything with him today, but I feel like he’ll get stronger.”
The bright afternoon began with a set back for the Bulls when captain Ulises Davila was forced off the field in the 12th minute with an apparent hamstring injury. Having been on the receiving end of several tough fouls in the opening minute, Davila succumbed to injury early sparking calls for referees to better protect attacking players from crude tackles.
However, the Bulls overcame the loss of their leader and frustrated Adelaide with a stern defensive showing. Centre-backs Tomi Uskok and Jonathan Aspropotamitis kept the Reds strikers silent before Arzani struck on the counter just before the half-hour mark.
Put into space by Rose, Arzani dribbled into the box before shooting through three defenders to rattle the corner of the net.
Three minutes before the hour, Arzani returned the favour for his striking partner with a superb assist. He darted on a solo run, dribbled past two markers before finding Rose unmarked at the near post. From close range, Rose made no mistake as he slotted past Joe Gauci in the Adelaide goal.
The win continues the Bulls’ undefeated start under the guidance of new coach Yorke who hasn’t lost in any of his seven competitive games in charge of the club.
Having clinched the Australia Cup in pre-season, the Bulls face A-League champions Western United in Melbourne on Friday night in a clash of the league and cup champions.
