The Western Sydney Wanderers showed they were back on track in the Hyundai A-League in an attacking display of football that, strangely, attracted no goals.
The 0-0 draw against the Central Coast Mariners may have ended in a split of the points but it was one-way traffic for the majority of the match suggesting that the Red & Black are very close to bringing back their mojo.
While the away team struggled to create any opportunities at all, the Wanderers struggled to get the ball in the back of the net though it wasn’t for the lack of trying.
Often it was only the reflexes of gloveman Liam Reddy, an unfortunate deflection or late block on the line that denied the Wanderers time and again.
Credit to the players though who took it all in their stride, refused to drop their heads and continued attacking until the final minute – so much so that the Red & Black created at least two goal scoring opportunities in additional time alone.
The creative three of Vitor Saba, Romeo Castelen and Nikita Rukavytsya were dangerous all night with Juric’s runs behind the line making inroads.
The dominance of the Wanderers becomes even more apparent when you consider that out of the eight midfielders and forwards to enter the pitch for the Wanderers (including substitutes) only one, Romeo Castelen, failed to register a shot.
Taking more than double the shots of the Mariners it was astonishing that the net did not ripple with Tony Popovic lamenting that on another night they could have won by four.
Overall it was a much improved attacking performance with the additional bonus of a clean sheet. A tight defence and an attack beginning to click means that it is ominous signs for the Jets on Saturday.
Tickets are still available for the match at Pirtek Stadium with kick-off at 5pm.
