Is it fitness or is it switching off? Whatever the reason, Western Sydney Wanderers are strong starters this season, but not as dominant in the second half.
On Sunday in Gosford, the Wanderers continued their first-half scoring sprees, taking a 2-0 lead to the break.
At half time, Josep Gombau’s men were in almost total control and should’ve been confident of easily winning this Round 19 clash.
But the red and black spent most of the second half hanging on against a rejuvenated Mariners, eventually holding on to win 2-1 and jump back into the top six.
Re-live the game in the MATCH CENTRE
The question is, why?
Just three of Wanderers’ goals this term have come after half-time – which is an A-League-low stat.
Is it a physical issue? Hard to believe given the tough pre-season under Tony Popovic. They are generally regarded as having very tough pre-seasons.
Perhaps it’s complacency? If it is, Gombau has nine games to fix this before the finals.
OTHER FACTS
- Five of Oriol Riera’s last six A-League goals have come away from home.
- Wanderers have won five straight Hyundai A-League away games against Central Coast Mariners.
- The Mariners have gone 10 league games without a win (D4 L6); their worst run of form since going 14 without a win up to October 2016.
