They may not be the most prolific scorers in the Hyundai A-League but Central Coast can draw inspiration from some telling stats in their quest to defend their title.
They may not be the most prolific scorers in the Hyundai A-League but Central Coast can draw inspiration from some telling stats in their quest to defend their title.
Mariners – along with Western Sydney – have scored the lowest number of goals (31) of the sides that will figure in the finals.
But stats obtained from Opta show Phil Moss’ side possess the most goal-scoring threats of any side in the A-League and in Bernie Ibini have one of the in-form strikers.
According to Opta, 16 different Mariners players have scored in the A-League this season, the most of any club.
Western Sydney are next best with 13, runaway Premiers Roar have 12 while Wellington and Melbourne Victory are the equal worst with just nine different scorers.
Ibini has scored in three of his last four A-League games and it would have been more if he didn’t have a perfectly legal goal chalked off for offside against Perth last weekend.
Mariners are also second in the league when it comes to shooting accuracy with almost half of their 227 season shots on target, while they have scored the second most goals (12) from set pieces of any team in the top six.
It shows if they get things right Central Coast still have the firepower to succeed and should have rival clubs on high alert heading into the finals.
Mariners have endured a period of upheaval after their drought-breaking title last season, with coach Graham Arnold, Chairman Peter Turnbull and 12 players moving on since they were holding the trophy aloft at Allianz Stadium a year ago.
Coach Phil Moss says to still be in the finals and a strong chance for the championship shows a lot about the make-up of the club.
“We’ve shown that any obstacles put in our way we can overcome with sheer hard work, solidarity and belief,” Moss told Sky Sports Radio on Wednesday.
“The boys this season have proved all that with a lot of changes that have gone on at the club in a short space of time.
“We had our spell of four losses on the trot in the league and it was our culture that pulled us out of that and got us heading in the right direction.
“To make the finals was our main goal this season given everything that’s happened and we’re there. It’s been a fantastic effort from the players.”
Moss’ side travel to Brisbane to play Roar on Saturday night, still in with a shot at snatching second spot from Western Sydney.
A loss or draw for Wanderers in their clash with Melbourne Heart would allow the Mariners to leapfrog Western Sydney into second and secure a week off in the opening round of the finals.
With an AFC Champions League game at home against Seoul next Wednesday night, a weekend off could be crucial for Mariners, not that Moss sees it that way.
“(Wanderers) Tony Popovic and Musky (Victory boss Kevin Muscat) have made a big deal of (the busy schedule) but I think it’s worked in our favour to play a lot of games,” Moss said.
“We’ve rotated the squad, everyone’s top fit, everyone’s sharp, fresh and in a good mental space. The more games the merrier.
“If we do get the week off it gives us a chance to freshen up. But players love playing games, coaches love coaching them so I’m not placing a big emphasis on it.
“If we do get the week off great, if we don’t then playing a lot of games in a short space of time has been one of our strengths so it’s not a big deal.”
Central Coast have lost both matches against the Roar this season by goals scored in the 89th minute or later.
Purchase your ticket to the Mariners’ final match of the regular season against Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium here.