Adelaide’s struggles in attack continues
Another game, another insipid performance by the Reds attacking trio. Despite the visitors showing signs of improvement the previous week against the Western Sydney Wanderers, there were few positives to take away from this match. United were largely lacklustre after unsurprisingly dominating the possession statistics which again proved inconsequential as they were unable to penetrate Perth’s goal with regularity. A noticeable lack of imagination, options and fluidity will be a major concern for Guillermo Amor, who is still searching for his inaugural competitive league victory. More worrying is the fact that no player has scored for Adelaide this season, as the two goals the Reds have scored have derived courtesy of two own goals. With strikers Eli Babalj and Bruce Djite on the sidelines, the goalscoring woes are likely to endure.
Perth’s defensive unit much improved
After conceding five goals in their first two league games, Kenny Lowe’s men were a much more disciplined outfit defensively. The Glory were compact and absorbed pressure for long periods, but looked dangerous on the break and pounced on United’s lapse in concentration, playing the Brazilian Sidnei onside to nonchalantly finish past the onrushing John Hall. Diogo Ferreira provided excellent cover, acting as a screen in front of the centre-back pairing of Michael Thwaite and Dino Djulbic ensuring they were not left isolated when Amor’s side tried to find an opening. On many occasions when the Reds did eventually pull the trigger, the Glory defenders were quick to make vital interventions to prevent Ante Covic from making saves.
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