Sydney FC boss Graham Arnold said his side created enough chances to win two matches but paid tribute to an organised Mariners outfit following an entertaining 1-1 draw on Saturday night.
Blake Powell fired the Mariners ahead from the penalty spot inside 10 minutes before Bobo restored parity with a clinical header just past the hour mark.
The Sky Blues enjoyed the better of the chances throughout the contest though Mariners youngster Lachlan Wales missed a huge opportunity from close range just before half time.
MATCH REPORT | All the talking points following tonight's clash against the Mariners at @AllianzStadium – https://t.co/bLSVgKHxY2 #SydneyIsSkyBlue #SYDvCCM pic.twitter.com/QmDffzrc7v
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Arnold said he was pleased with his side’s endeavor throughout the contest as the Sky Blues extended their lead at the top of the table to seven points.
“Obviously it’s about scoring the goals. I thought the Mariners were very well set up tonight,” Arnold said at the post-match press conference.
“I thought we worked extremely hard, the effort was fantastic and we go another point clear at the top which is the main thing.”
“The most important thing for me always is getting those opportunities, getting into those positions, getting players into good areas and it’ll come.”
Central Coast remain the only side to defeat the Sky Blues this season following their 2-0 win back in Round 6.
But Arnold scoffed at suggestions the Mariners had worked out how to play his side, pointing to Sydney’s imperious recent record against the Gosford-based side.
Prior to Saturday night, Sydney had won eight and drawn one in the last 10 meetings between the two sides.
“It was a good game, the Mariners played well but they didn’t have a shot on target in the second half and we had enough chances to win two games,” Arnold said.
“I think that for some reason overall, this being my 200th game, someone up there wanted this to be a draw.”
