Western Sydney Wanderers and Adelaide United have played a goalless draw for the second time this year at Pirtek Stadium on Saturday night.
It was the third stalemate between the Wanderers and Adelaide this season as nothing could again separate the pair with both sets of tactics nullifying each other’s game plan.
In what as an insipid affair, the biggest moment of the clash occurred when Bruce Kamau was controversially given a yellow card for diving, after being played in on goal and was clearly fouled by the onrushing Liam Reddy.
Many took to social media to vent their frustration over the incident with some quarters suggesting it was an obvious red card and freekick.
The second-half saw the hosts dominate proceedings, but lacked the cutting edge in front of goal to consign their opponents to successive losses for the first time since November.
The result sees Western Sydney climb into first place with 42 points, while Adelaide drop to fourth with just a mere two points splitting the top four.
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Formations
Coach Tony Popovic named an unchanged line-up after their narrow 1-0 victory away Newcastle last time out. Spanish dup Andreu and Dimas screened the back-four to great effect and kept Adelaide at bay for the majority of the encounter. Meanwhile, Jaushua Sotirio retained his spot in the starting XI following his decisive goal against the Jets.
Western Sydney Wanderers Starting XI: Reddy; Neville, Alberto, Topor-Stanley, Jamieson; Andreu, Dimas, Nichols; Castelen, Bridge, Sotirio
As for United, Guillermo Amor was forced to make two changes through injury and suspension. Jordan Elsey missed the match due to the accumulation of an eighth yellow card and was replaced by Bruce Kamau, instigating a reshuffle with Craig Goodwin slotting into left-back. Spanish pass-master Isaias returned to the XI, after featuring as a substitute against Melbourne City at the expense of Marcelo Carrusca – who aggravated a groin problem.
Adelaide United Starting XI: Galekovic; Marrone, McGowan, La Rocca, Goodwin; Isaias, Mauk, Mells; Kamau, Djite, Cirio
Defensive stability sees Adelaide earn crucial point
Adelaide can again have their back-four to thank for another resolute performance defensively. The Reds, who boast by far the stingiest defence in the competition, have conceded 26 goals and can be attributed to Amor’s extreme attention to detail, in addition to the heroics of club captain Eugene Galekovic. Since the return of the Socceroo from injury in November, it comes as no coincidence Adelaide have kept a remarkable 10 clean sheets and proves just how pivotal he is to the organisation of his back-four. Iacopo La Rocca and Dylan McGowan seem to have a telepathic understanding and have formed an excellent centre-back relationship.
Wanderers’ struggles in attack continue
Despite a consistent season from Western Sydney their inability to convert chances into goals on a regular basis remains a concern for Popovic. It could turn out to be their Achilles heel when finals arrive. While it could seem overly dramatic to insinuate WSW have problems, given they sitting pretty at the summit of the table, it is something which could come back to haunt them. Too often the transitional play is too slow in the final third and the likes of Romeo Castelen and Mark Bridge have been guilty of profligacy in the past. However, the outfit from Parramatta does have the quality and firepower to swiftly address this issue and ensure they can kill teams off heading into a fascinating finals series.
Western Sydney Wanderers Conclusion
The Wanderers would be disappointed not to have received the three points following a dominant outing, particularly from a possession perspective. However, in contrast they could have just as easily been reduced to 10 men, involving Reddy’s reckless challenge. Of late WSW have lacked a ruthless edge in front of goal and it hampered their chances of winning. Although, they are the league leaders, Popovic will be concerned about the fact that January was the previous time they scored more than two goals in a game.
Adelaide United Conclusion
Adelaide would have happily taken a point before the game commenced, given how depleted Amor’s men were. No Carrusca, Tarek Elrich, Pablo Sanchez and Jordan Elsey translated into a daunting prospect for the South Australians. However, they managed to come out of the match unscathed and remain just two points adrift from top spot, as well as preparing for their meeting with the Central Coast Mariners. Winless in their previous two matches, the Reds will be desperate to return to the winners’ circle and attempt to claim an unprecedented minor premiership, pending results fall their way.
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