Graham Arnold has lamented lapses at both ends after watching his Sydney FC side draw 1-1 with Kashima Antlers in the Asian Champions League.
The Sky Blues fell behind after a defensive error presented Mu Kanazaki with an easy header after 27 minutes.
Matt Simon squared the ledger with 20 minutes remaining, but Sydney FC were unable to find a winner despite dominating possession in the second half.
FULL-TIME | Kashima Antlers (JPN) 1-1 Sydney FC (AUS) @SydneyFC snatch a point as @atlrs_official extend their unbeaten run in the #ACL2018! #KSMvSYD pic.twitter.com/8BtA0lKmjD
— AFC Champions League (@TheAFCCL) March 13, 2018
“I thought overall we were the better side and deserved to win the game,” Arnold told media afterwards.
“I don’t think our goalkeeper had a save to make tonight.
“Their goalkeeper was much busier than ours.
“I’m disappointed to concede off a set-piece again.
“Kashima have scored three goals against us and none from general play,” said Arnold.
Arnold was pleased though with the performances of the less experienced members of his squad.
Aaron Calver had a strong defensive game with Anthony Kalik and Chris Zuvela also starting, while Charles Lokolingoy and Ben Warland were introduced from the bench late in the game.
“Our young boys did exceptionally well,” Arnold said.
“We had some new, young players in tonight and the senior players led them around the field very well.”
Sydney FC return to Hyundai A-League action on Saturday night when they host Brisbane Roar at Allianz Stadium.
