Taylor brushes Premiers’ Plate talk aside as Phoenix gun for top-six finish

Wellington Phoenix are the only side who remain a chance of stealing the Premiers’ Plate from Sydney FC’s grasp after clinching a 2-1 win over Perth Glory on Wednesday night, but don’t try telling that to Steven Taylor.

The Phoenix defender and captain was brimming with confidence in his own team’s potential after brushing aside a resilient Perth outfit but he stopped short at suggesting Wellington could catch the Sky Blues, who sit twelve points above them with a superior goal difference and four games to play.

Instead, Taylor kept his gaze firmly set on a spot in the 2019/20 Hyundai A-League Finals Series, a goal he says has been the constant focus for Wellington all season long.

MATCH REPORT: Wellington fend off surging Perth to claim vital three points

“Listen, [Sydney] are a top quality side like we’ve seen the other night,” Taylor told FOX Sports post-match.

“We have to accept they’ve been clinical all season and they deserve it to be fair, it’s just a matter of time before they do win it.

“For us it’s about top six, we’ve said it all season.

“It think you guys (FOX Sports) had us down for the wooden spoon, so we’ve over-achieved there.”

Victory over Perth ensured Wellington closed the gap on the two teams above them on the table (Sydney, Melbourne City), as the ‘Nix moved one point behind City with a game in hand.

But as important as moving up the table is for Wellington, adding three points to their tally also extended their gap on the chasing pack, including Tony Popovic’s Perth who could have moved above Phoenix on the table with a win on Wednesday night.

The result seemed a certainty for Wellington who impressed through the opening hour as they scored twice through Gary Hooper and Ulises Dávila to open up a two-goal lead, but Perth pegged one back through a clinical Dane Ingham strike from distance to make the Phoenix sweat.

TUESDAY REPORT: Jets’ comeback spoils Sydney FC’s Premiership party
REACTION: Fitzgerald: Newcastle eyeing finals after shock win over Sydney FC

https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6173945056001

In the clash between two top-six rivals Taylor says Perth’s quality was there for all to see as they forced Wellington to defend with grit and fortitude to hold onto their slender advantage, and ultimately take maximum points from the contest.

“Tough game, we knew what they are all about, they’re a fantastic side, they work hard and move it side to side and test you,” Taylor said.

“They’ve got quality players that will hurt you if you give them time and space, but credit to the boys, they were fantastic tonight.

“Back to front, everyone put a great shift in.

“First half I thought we were good, second half we were poor on the ball, but we were protecting the lead.

“The boys dug it out, we did it a lot last season.

“Credit to the boys tonight, our fighting spirit was there.”

It seemed as though the final whistle came as sweet relief to the Phoenix players and their Head Coach Ufuk Talay as Perth refused to give up their gallant search for an equaliser and pushed to create chances deep into extra time.

But Talay says the way the game played out vindicated his side’s plan to sit deep and counter Perth at every opportunity to score goals and ultimately snatch all three points, as his side provided the improvement in discipline he desired from their loss to the Sky Blues last Friday night.

“I think we did well by going 2-0 up,” Talay told FOX Sports after the game.

“We had a game plan that we were going to sit a little bit deeper and try to hit them on the counter with the players that we have.

“It didn’t really hurt us, the possession that they had – they were mainly playing in front of us.

“We spoke about being disciplined, I think in the last game against Sydney when we conceded two goals in transition I think that was a big key and a big focus for this game, discipline and being compact.

“The players for me did a fantastic job, and for us it’s a very important result.

“They’re talented young players, and that’s what I set out to do from day one, is bring in young players and give them opportunities.

Young players will go through brick wall for you because you do give them the opportunity, that’s what you want as a coach.

With the three points signed, sealed and delivered, Talay now has a brief window to prepare his side to go again when they face Adelaide United at Bankwest Stadium on Saturday night.

It’s a fixture Talay says will test the depth of his side, and their ability to go again at such short notice.

“It’s a two-day turnaround, then we play Adelaide,” he said.

“It’s an opportunity for other players to step up and make their mark.

“We’re going to rely on the depth of our squad and hopefully the boys can push through.”