3 minute read
A snapshot of the latest round of the A-League Men as Central Coast won thanks to a wonderkid and Melbourne Victory staked a claim for the premiers plate.
THEY SAID IT: "That's probably the poorest we've been since I've been at the club, that first half." Brisbane Roar coach Warren Moon could not hide his disappointment as his team slumped to a 2-0 half-time deficit to Adelaide United they would not recover from.
MAN OF THE WEEK: Like brother Alou before him, Garang Kuol is sky-rocketing to cult hero status at Central Coast. His third goal, a late winner to knock off Western United, almost ensured his side will play finals this season.
BEAT THAT: It's taken a while but Daniel Sturridge finally showed his class in Perth's 1-1 draw with Western Sydney Wanderers. Starting for the first time for th Glory, Sturridge provided the assist for Bruno Fornaroli's first-half goal.
STAT ATTACK: Perth have scored just 18 goals this season, and unless they can find seven goals in their final match of the campaign, will have the lowest tally in ALM since 2013-14.
TALKING POINT: VAR will never be off the agenda, particularly not when 12 minutes of delays were necessary for decisions on two goals. Both Melbourne Victory coach Tony Popovic and Wellington counterpart Ufuk Talay thought the delays were avoidable, and it's fair to say most fans agreed.
UNDER PRESSURE: Sydney FC's finals hopes are hanging by a thread. While the Sky Blues have been in Vietnam for an underwhelming Asian Champions League campaign their ALM rivals have taken advantage and Steve Corica's team could be out of the running for a top-six spot before their next domestic game against Brisbane on May 10.
UP NEXT: Leaders Melbourne City will travel to Perth to continue their quest for the premier plate, while Central Coast and Wellington will take on Brisbane and Western Sydney respectively as they seek to lock in finals berths. The Mariners will complete double-duty this week, with an F3 derby against Newcastle on Saturday night.