Perth Glory needed an epic comeback, and Diego Castro helped orchestrate it.
Glory’s veteran Spanish maestro helped the Hyundai A-League leaders overcome the Western Sydney Wanderers in thrilling fashion on Sunday evening.
But how did he do it? Let’s break down Perth’s remarkable turnaround – and more – thanks to Opta data.
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Castro offers Perth the right stuff to spark turnaround
Perth Glory produced an incredible fightback to get past the Western Sydney Wanderers 4-3 at HBF Park.
But just how did Glory rally with three goals – scored by Ivan Franjic, Andy Keogh and Juande – in the space of eight minutes?
Castro pulled the strings as Perth launched a targeted assault on the left side of the Wanderers’ defence, with all three goals set up from that area.
Glory went down the right 47.9% of the time for the game, but directed 64.1% of their attack down the right hand corridor for the final 12 minutes and additional time.
Castro caused all sorts of problems, and it was his deft incision and accurate crossing that led to all three goals being scored.
The Spanish magician had 10 touches in the final 12 minutes on the right side of attack and the Wanderers were simply unable to contain him.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5988922683001
Roar set unwanted record as City continue AAMI run
Brisbane Roar are on an unprecedented and unwanted run.
A 1-0 loss to Melbourne City extended Roar’s winless run to a club-record eight games, the defeat putting a further dent in their finals chances.
While Ritchie De Laet was the hero with his goal, Luke Brattan was a constant threat, creating a game-high five chances.
Only Florin Berenguer had managed to reach that mark for City in a game this season before Brattan’s display, which helped his team extend their unbeaten run against Brisbane at AAMI Park to 12 games.
Meanwhile, Roar goalkeeper Jamie Young was forced into another five saves.
In a sign of Brisbane’s struggles this season, Young has had to make at least five saves in six games, the most of any goalkeeper in the Hyundai A-League.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5988295604001
Reds can’t find a way past Sydney again
Adelaide United pushed late to find an equaliser against Sydney FC, but once again the Reds were unable to muster up a late show.
That is becoming a trend of concern for United, who have scored just three goals in the final half-hour of games this season – the fewest of any team in the competition.
Siem de Jong and Jacob Tratt scored before Craig Goodwin’s second-half penalty for Adelaide, who are now winless in their past eight league games against the Sky Blues.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5988906312001
Delight for Durante as Phoenix make history
Wellington Phoenix are on a roll, and they celebrated Durante’s 300th Hyundai A-League appearance in style.
Durante became the first player to reach the mark as Phoenix came from behind to beat the Central Coast Mariners 3-2 at Westpac Stadium.
Roy Krishna’s brace of penalties and David Williams’ goal helped Wellington extend their unbeaten run to a club-record eight games.
Matt Simon’s spot-kick and an Andrew Hoole goal had put the Mariners 2-0 up, but they were unable to hold on after Kye Rowles’ red card early in the second half.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5988684722001
Victory extend streak over Jets
Melbourne Victory made it three straight wins over the Newcastle Jets.
James Troisi’s 84th-minute winner sealed Victory’s 2-1 success, marking the first time in the history of this fixture that either club has won three in a row.
Terry Antonis’ opener had earlier been cancelled out by Kaine Sheppard at AAMI Park, as the Jets’ winless run outside New South Wales stretched to six games.
Daniel Georgievski faced his former club and played his 100th Hyundai A-League game, while Thomas Deng made his 50th appearance.