3 minute read
Defeating rivals Wellington, ALM leaders Auckland FC have <i>become the first side in Australian football's national league history to win their first six games.</i>
ROUND FIVE OF THE A-LEAGUE MEN COMPETITION AT A GLANCE:
THEY SAID IT: "They've been very lucky, to be fair, the last four games ... When you only travel once, you get a bit of momentum" - Wellington Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano stoked the flames ahead of their sold-out Kiwi derby against league leaders Auckland FC, claiming the expansion side were cashing in on their lucky draw, with three home games and just one trip to Australia. The 'Nix lost 2-1.
MAN OF THE WEEK: The Central Coast machine is humming again thanks to a superb brace by Alou Kuol. Left smarting after a disastrous AFC Champions League Elite campaign, the Mariners rediscovered their winning ways when Kuol - who had not scored a goal since April - pulled off two headers against Sydney FC.
TALKING POINT: Does Sydney FC have a discipline issue or are they just unlucky? The Sky Blues were forced to play one man down for the third time this season after debutant Harrison Devenish-Meares was sent off for fouling Kuol. Goalkeeper Devenish-Meares left the box and collected his opponent after jumping. Coach Ufuk Talay has previously dismissed suggestions of a discipline issue, refusing to back down from their high-pressing game style.
STAT ATTACK: Auckland became the first side in Australian football's national league history after defeating Wellington to win their first six games in existence. They are also the first side since 1986 to play 500 minutes without conceding, setting a new league record of 532 minutes.
BEAT THAT: Melbourne Victory got on the front foot early when Zinedine Machach received the ball in midfield, burst forward, and with Perth's defence backing off, ripped a shot into the bottom corner in the seventh minute.
UNDER PRESSURE: Brisbane are struggling to find their feet and fans are getting impatient. After suffering a 4-1 defeat to Melbourne City, the last-placed Roar were booed by their supporters for a dismal performance. The result was also a club record sixth consecutive ALM loss at their Suncorp Stadium home.
UP NEXT: Central Coast kick off the round on Friday at home to Adelaide United. On a stacked Saturday card, Wellington host Macarthur FC, Sydney play Western United, Brisbane travel to take on Western Sydney and Perth and Newcastle face off. Auckland make their second trip across the Tasman to go toe-to-toe with Melbourne City on Sunday, while Melbourne Victory have the bye.