3 minute read
A look at the action in round 23 of the A-League.
A-LEAGUE SNAPSHOT FOR ROUND 23:
* THEY SAID IT: "Without a shadow of a doubt, we have the best striking combination in the league." - Phoenix coach Mark Rudan praises attacking duo David Williams and Roy Krishna.
* MAN OF THE ROUND: Williams. With Phoenix's leading scorer Krishna suspended, the veteran rose to the occasion by bagging a hat-trick to make it five goals in his past three games.
* STAT ATTACK: Victory's Swedish international Ola Toivonen scored the 5000th A-League goal, with his free kick beating Perth goalkeeper Liam Reddy - who also conceded the very first goal when playing for Newcastle in 2005.
* TALKING POINT: Rudan's assertion that his Wellington side boast the best strike force in the league is bound to provoke conversation, as will the Phoenix's potential to provide a threat to the top three.
* UNDER PRESSURE: Melbourne City. Down to sixth after a 3-0 loss to Western Sydney and Adelaide's win over Central Coast, City are struggling to get any momentum, with just one win from their past eight games.
* MAGIC MOMENT: Sydney star Siem de Jong's no-look goal against Brisbane.
* EYE-WATERING MOMENT: Western Sydney's Mitchell Duke doing the splits in celebration of his goal against Melbourne City.
* WHAT'S NEXT: The latest instalment of the Big Blue between Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory on Saturday at the SCG promises plenty with just one point separating the teams, both of whom still have a chance of catching Perth. The Glory finish off the round on Sunday, away to Central Coast, while Adelaide will look to put pressure on Wellington for fourth when the two sides face off. City are at home to Brisbane and the Wanderers will strive to draw level on points with the Jets by beating them in Newcastle.