Late fireworks saw Wellington Phoenix record a 1-1 draw against Sydney FC earlier this evening.
Ernie Merrick’s men had the attacking momentum in the early stages with a number of defence-splitting passes missing their targets, while the visitor’s best chance came when Brandon O’Neill’s free-kick struck the crossbar late in the first-half.
The match immediately picked up after the break, however, as the Sky Blues were awarded a contentious penalty when Andrew Hoole was brought down by Manny Muscat in the box, yet replays showed minimal contact at best. Hoole stepped-up to take the spot-kick, yet his effort was calmly denied by Glenn Moss.
A beakthrough would finally come Sydney’s way with just under 10 minutes to go, when Fellipe Holosko finished a great solo charge with a curling shot into the back of the net. The joy for the visitors would not last long though, Jaques Faty giving away the game’s second penalty for a foul on Tom Doyle and Roy Krishna converted from the spot to equalise.
The controversial penalty calls took much of the post-match focues, however, Graham Arnold received a fair amount of criticism from the disgruntled Sky Blues faithful.
Here are the best reactions from Twitter following the result:
Don't Think Arnold's Getting Things Right At Sydneyfc #WELvSYD ⚽️🙌🏼
— SokkaaLife⚽️ (@Kupej) December 19, 2015
What is our attacking strategy? Can't for the life of me work it out and tbh neither can the players #strugglestreet #WELvSYD
— David Lewis (@DavidLewis31) December 19, 2015
Contact was there, clear cut penalty… #SydneyIsSkyBlue #WELvSYD
— StrawberryBlonde (@UnDiluted7) December 19, 2015
Hoole with a 9.5 dive on that one. #WELvSYD #aleague #Karma #cheat
— Matt Hume (@MattHume_) December 19, 2015
That's a super soft penalty. And its saved. Karma there #WELvSYD
— Matt (@Mattys123) December 19, 2015
Yes there was contact. No it wasn't a penalty. Hoole going down before touched. Justice served by Moss save #WELvSYD
— Daniel McBreen (@djmcbreen) December 19, 2015
#WELvSYD well done Arnold, let your least experienced player take the penalty
— Michael Macchione (@MichaelMacchio1) December 19, 2015
Sydney diving squad #WELvSYD #aleague
— Dagan (@ardrigh) December 19, 2015
Faty…..what a year he is having! How stupid #aleague #WELvSYD
— Adam Santarossa (@adamsantarossa) December 19, 2015
Wait for Arnie to whinge about how the game didn't go his way again #WELvSYD #aleague
— Daniel Walker (@dwalker_media) December 19, 2015
I would love to be a fly on the wall in that dressing room post match. I think Arnie might actually lose his shit #WELvSYD
— Laura (@hudsl22) December 19, 2015
What is it with Graham Arnold and late penalties…#WELvSYD
— David Madden (@Dave_the_Dalek) December 19, 2015
Excuses for Arnold this week.Time difference,strips didn't clash,no doubt injuries and old favourite,the ref #WELvSYD
— Mick Attarian (@pmens72) December 19, 2015
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