The usual noise and energy generated from The Cove underpinned a lackluster match as Alex Brosque showed his experience by converting his 50th A-League goal to give the Sky Blues a 1-0 victory over Newcastle.
Sydney should’ve broke the deadlock earlier as Filip Holosko missed three clear cut chances in the first half.
Every miss a brutal reminder that the Slovakian has failed to live up to his international marquee predecessor; Marc Janko.
The Jets meanwhile will be concerned with their own limitations when it came to chance creation. Enver Alivodic blazing their best chance over the bar in the 47th minute.
"We got rewarded not only for good play, but the bad luck we've had over the last few weeks ... tonight, the first half was probably the best Sydney FC performance since I've been at the club," Arnold said.
Jets coach Scott Miller praised his side for getting back into the contest in the second half.
"It could have been 3-0 at half-time, and we mentioned that at half-time and took it as a reality check, but also the fact that we could get back in the game if we changed their mindset," he said.