Adelaide United stumbled for the second week running, suffering a 2-1 defeat to Western Sydney which put an end to their hopes of finishing with the A-League Premiership crown
It was the Reds who were in the driving seat for the first-half, with the visiting side threatening the Western Sydney defence with a number of long diagonal switches to wingers in-waiting Sergio Cirio and Pablo Sanchez.
An uninspiring Wanderers outfit struggled to keep the scoreline at 0-0, and it was only thanks to some important saves from Ante Covic and a goal line clearance from Mateo Poljak that the home side avoided conceding. However, just before half-time the Reds struck the first blow. A delightful one-two between ex-Wanderer Tarek Elrich and midfielder Cameron Watson opened up space in the penalty box, allowing an unmarked Cirio to unleash a powerful strike past Wanderers custodian Covic.
The momentum of the match changed drastically in the second-half, however, after Poljak charged through midfield to put Mark Bridge on goal, who was felled just inside the penalty box by a challenge from Nigel Boogaard. Adelaide were reduced to 10 men as Boogaard was shown red for his rash tackle, and Tomi Juric gave the home fans even more to cheer about when he coolly converted from the spot to pull one back for the Red and Black.
The Wanderers took a decisive lead in the 72nd minute after the Reds failed to clear a free kick from goal scorer Juric. The big forward lofted a pass over the Adelaide defence to find an onside Bridge, who volleyed the ball home to score on his 200th A-League appearance.
Josep Gombau’s men did not give up without a fight, and pushed for an equaliser in a bid keep their slim premiership hopes alive. However, despite forcing the hosts deep into their own half, the 10-man Adelaide could not find a successful path to goal in the final 15 minutes of the match.
Formations
Tony Popovic opted to rest captain Nikolai Topor-Stanley for the Wanderers’ crucial Asian Champions League match against Kashima Antlers on Tuesday night. In his stead was youngster Jonathan Aspropotamitis, who again partnered with Socceroo Matthew Spiranovic in central-defence. Juric was selected to lead the line over the explosive Kerem Bulut, whilst 17-year-old Steve Kuzmanovski was given his second start of the season on the left wing.
Western Sydney Wanderers (4-2-3-1): Covic (GK), Tanaka, Aspropotamitis, Spiranovic, Golec; Takahagi, Poljak; Castelen, Bridge, Kuzmanovski; Juric.
Josep Gombau was without the services of star playmaker Marcelo Carrusca, who remained sidelined with a quad injury. After a shock 3-2 loss to Brisbane Roar, Gombau shifted the lethal Sergio Cirio from central=midfield back to his preferred position on the left side. Dylan McGowan made way for Osama Malik in central-defence.
Adelaide United (4-3-3): Galekovic (GK), Elrich, Malik, Boogaard, Goodwin; Isaias, Jeggo, Watson; Sanchez, Djite, Cirio.
Long diagonal switches the trend for Adelaide United
Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold ruffled a few feathers when he commented in early April that Adelaide United have a penchant for the long ball. Of course, there is nothing wrong with playing directly, and that is what Josep Gombau’s side showcased in the first-half against Western Sydney.
Adelaide found great joy in the opening 45 minutes with long diagonal switches to dangerous wingers Sanchez and Cirio. It is well documented that the Wanderers’ fullbacks are the team’s greatest weakness, and by utilising width Adelaide were able to isolate their wingers to take on Antony Golec and Yusuke Tanaka one-on-one. Cirio benefited from this tactic the most and was a constant headache for opposite number Yusuke Tanaka on the left-side.
Popa plays two strikers
You could count using the fingers on one hand how many times Tony Popovic has fielded two strikers, but against a 10 man Adelaide, the Wanderers manager made the rare decision to play both Kerem Bulut and Tomi Juric together in attack.
Within a flexible 4-4-2 formation, Juric’s ability to hold the ball saw him play deeper than the fiery Bulut. Bulut himself remained higher up the pitch, with his pace no doubt considered an asset in the event of a counter-attack. The tactical move certainly did no harm, with Juric assisting Bridge for the Wanderers’ second goal. It remains to be seen whether the pair can form a fruitful partnership in the front-third, but in any case the extra man forward allowed for a more proactive press of the Adelaide backline.
Gombau’s men get physical
United’s ability to win the ball back from Western Sydney was evident in their dominant performance in the first-half. The stagnant early movement of the players allowed Adelaide easily pick the ball off the home side. However, a desire to dispossess Western Sydney came with a mounting card count. The team notched up four yellows and a red card by the conclusion of the match. Perhaps this is an indication of Adelaide’s evolving style, which has become both more physical and direct since the beginning of the season.
Adelaide United Conclusion
A second upset loss in a row sees the Reds out of contention for the Premiership and likely the top two, now they must turn their attention to upcoming A-League finals. The return of Marcelo Carrusca could not come fast enough for the team, who are badly missing the Argentinian’s x-factor.
Western Sydney Wanderers Conclusion
It was not pretty, but the Wanderers managed to secure three points at home for the second time this season. The win moves the club back into ninth place, and a draw next week against Perth Glory will be enough for Tony Popovic’s men to avoid the dreaded wooden spoon.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
