Slater – Wellington are the second-best team in the Hyundai A-League right now

Former Premier League winner Robbie Slater believes in-form Wellington Phoenix are the second-best team in the Hyundai A-League right now after reigning Champions Sydney FC.

Phoenix notched a resounding 3-1 defeat of Western United on Saturday afternoon to extend their unbeaten run to seven matches and re-enter the top six.

The performance and result against United was as good as anything the New Zealanders have produced along that run, which includes a win over FFA Cup 2019 winner Adelaide United and an entertaining draw with Sydney.

After four narrow defeats to start the campaign, Ufuk Talay’s men have not lost since their 3-2 reverse at Melbourne City on October 3.

Slater believes Phoenix have not only usurped City in the form book but as the Hyundai A-League’s second-best team after the Sky Blues, who hold a six-point lead at the summit.

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“At this point, yes,” Slater told FOX Sports after Phoenix’s win when asked if the Kiwi club were currently the nearest challengers to Sydney.

“You couldn’t say Melbourne City are after the way they’ve been consistent.”

Phoenix hit the front through David Ball, doubled their lead via Callum McCowatt’s maiden Hyundai A-League strike and added a third when Ulises Davila scored his eighth goal of the campaign.

Alessandro Diamanti scored a late penalty for Mark Rudan’s side, but the Italian’s strike proved little more than consolation.

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“We can pinpoint Western United’s [problems] here and there, but let’s not take anything away from Wellington who are such a good team to watch.”

Slater also hailed Davila as ‘very special’ after another sublime display from the Mexican star.

The Guadalajara-born attacker, who was once signed by Chelsea before sent out on five different loan spells, provided the assist for Ball’s opener with a delightful turn and sealed Phoenix’s win with a confident finish late on.

It was Davila’s eighth goal of the campaign.

“He’s in that top echelon, he’s in that top level, there’s no doubt about it,” Mark Bosnich told FOX Sports post-match.

“The turn (for the Ball goal) was worth his initial price in itself.”

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