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Western Sydney's Marko Rudan looked a relieved man after his team's 2-1 win over Perth Glory, but the pressure remains well and truly on the Wanderers coach.
THEY SAID IT: "I apologise for not fronting the media. Without going into too much, there's been a bit going on with myself personally, in my personal life. But I should have been better in that moment." - Western Sydney Wanderers coach Marko Rudan regretted his decision to skip his post-match duties following Tuesday night's 7-0 loss to Melbourne City.
MAN OF THE WEEK: Wellington Phoenix forward Kosta Barbarouses scored a goal and set up another in his side's 2-1 win over Sydney FC. His second-half winner was his 11th of the season - just four shy of his all-time best tally of 15, scored for Melbourne Victory in the 2018-19 season (finals included). It was his 91st ALM goal, lifting him above Archie Thompson as the fifth-highest scorer in the competition's history.
TALKING POINT: Western Sydney captain Marcelo was caught up in an argument with Perth Glory players and staff following the Wanderers' 2-1 win on Saturday night. The incident was so heated even Glory coach Alen Stajcic got involved. What exactly was said remains unknown, and it will be interesting to see if the incident is investigated further.
STAT ATTACK: Wellington have played 12 ALM games at Eden Park in Auckland - and won them all. After Saturday's triumph over Sydney they now have seven wins and five draws at a venue at which they've found it impossible to lose.
BEAT THAT: Terry Antonis produced one of the all-time great A-League goals with his long-range stunner in Melbourne City's 7-0 romp over Western Sydney. Antonis fired a looping strike from the centre circle to catch Wanderers goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas in no-man's land. Vision of the goal has gone viral, and it will no doubt haunt Thomas for years to come.
UNDER PRESSURE: He may have got some respite with his side's 2-1 win against Perth Glory, but the heat is still on Western Sydney coach Marko Rudan following a turbulent period at the club. Rudan signed a three-year contract extension in January, but if rumours of player discontent turn out to be true, it will be interesting to see whether the club stick by him. One thing in Rudan's favour is the fact his team are sixth and still right in the thick of the finals hunt. Will a good run of results to finish the season be enough to save his job?
WHAT'S NEXT: Strugglers Adelaide and Western United kick off round 22 on Friday night, but the main attraction will be on Saturday when second-placed Central Coast take on fifth-placed Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium. Melbourne City will be aiming to jump back into the top six with a win over struggling Newcastle, while fourth-placed Melbourne Victory have the chance to heap more misery on Perth Glory on Sunday. Western Sydney's clash with third-placed Macarthur on Monday is critical for both sides.
