If you were to grade the Perth Glory’s last week or so, you would have to say they’ve passed with flying colours. Having come off a tumultuous period in which they played three games in seven days, the Glory were able to secure two elusive victories after a 2-1 loss to Wellington Phoenix at home. The results earned them an appearance in their second FFA Cup Final in as many years, and a kickstart to their A-League campaign, with their first win of the season over Adelaide United. After a disappointing start, the Perth Glory have gotten their season well and truly back on track. The skepticism, concern and doubt of recent weeks has been replaced with a new found sense of optimism and belief in the purple camp. It’s funny how quickly things change.
Kenny Lowe must be applauded for the way he handled his players over that period. His actions made his intentions clear; he has the bigger picture well and truly in mind. The on-field time of key players was managed precisely throughout the three games and with great effect. What’s more is how Lowe’s ability to remain cool, calm and collected in the face of adversity continues to seemingly defy human nature.
Despite the recent positive results, the Glory’s two wins didn’t come in an overly convincing manner, with their opposition having the better of both the possession and shots in their contests. How did they manage to scrounge their way to a duo of 3-1 victories despite key statistical categories going against them? Defence. One of the decisive factors in the Glory’s two wins was undoubtedly their defensive efforts. A defence which had been much maligned after the first couple of rounds. There were some impressive individual performances by Glory defenders in the early stages of the season, but it was coincidentally the return of a couple of cohesive and resolute Glory defensive outings that resulted in the win column getting its first top up of the season.
Initially, three games in seven days looked like the last thing the Glory wanted on their plate two rounds into the A-League season. However it might have just been a blessing in disguise. If there’s any time slot in which you want to surpass a heavy schedule, it’s the early stages of the season. A time when bodies are reasonably fresh and enthusiasm remains relatively high. Also to the Glory’s advantage is the opportunity for a more rapid increase in team chemistry. Playing three games in seven days provides the players with a great opportunity to gel on and off the field, and with a substantially different roster from last season to this one, it’s a process which is imperative to team success.
Naturally there is always going to be lofty expectations placed upon imports, especially when they possess the CVs that both Diego Castro and Guyon Fernandez do. Both had been relatively underwhelming prior to the Glory’s wins, however, they were beneficiaries of the increased opportunity, with both of them scoring their long-awaited maiden goals for the club in their 3-1 victory over Adelaide United. Their confidence no doubt receiving a much needed boost. Also, while the Glory showed they have the depth to deal without him in their FFA Cup semi-final, Sunday’s game highlighted the importance of Richard Garcia’s skill and leadership. Something that will be continually called upon throughout the remainder of the season.
The Glory have built a good foundation for the road ahead. The goal now is to ensure it grows, and they are able to maintain a level of consistency in the weeks to come. No one likes a roller coaster ride of a season and the Glory still have to prove they’re more than just that.
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