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Auckland FC's fairytale start to life in the A-League has come to a grinding halt after a 4-0 dismantling by Western United, while Brisbane continue to suffer.
ROUND NINE OF THE A-LEAGUE MEN COMPETITION AT A GLANCE:
THEY SAID IT: "When situations like this happen, it can go one of two ways - it can be a complete disaster, or it can be a disciplined performance" - Interim coach Arthur Diles has hailed Melbourne Victory's togetherness and professionalism after they fought a 1-1 draw with Melbourne City in their first game since Patrick Kisnorbo walked out to join J1 League team Yokohama F. Marinos as an assistant coach.
MAN OF THE WEEK: Douglas Costa. Having only just shown hints of his class in previous rounds, the Brazilian finally went full-throttle for Sydney FC. With two goals and an assist, Costa hit the scoresheet for the first time to help the Sky Blues snatch a dramatic 3-3 away draw with Adelaide United.
TALKING POINT: Has Auckland's fairytale bubble finally burst? The Black Knights had conceded just three goals across 10.5 hours of action in their unbeaten seven-match run to start the season. But their defence went AWOL against Western United on Saturday, conceding three goals in the space of 34 minutes as Riku Danzaki, Noah Botic and Hiroshi Ibusuki scored. Auckland coach Steve Corica looked an angry man after the 4-0 defeat, and it will be interesting to see how the expansion club responds to their first major challenge.
STAT ATTACK: Perth have ended an 18-game winless streak with a 1-0 win over Brisbane, who equalled a 19-year record for most consecutive home losses.
BEAT THAT: The 16-year-old Haine Eames starred in his first game in the run-on line-up for Central Coast, making him the club's youngest starting player. He then became its youngest goal scorer, securing a 1-1 draw for the Mariners when his attempt ricocheted in off the far post in the 53rd minute.
UNDER PRESSURE: A 4-1 defeat to Western Sydney has left Wellington Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano with three straight losses for the first time in his career at the helm. They are ninth on the ladder on 10 points, yet to rediscover the form that helped them become runners-up to premiers Central Coast last year.
UP NEXT: Macarthur gets a three-day break before they travel to take on Perth, while Adelaide play Western Sydney on Friday. Wellington continue the action against Newcastle on Saturday, Central Coast host Auckland, and Sydney take on Melbourne Victory. Western United are up against Brisbane for the only game on Sunday, with Melbourne City enjoying a bye.
