Adelaide United’s inability to score goals cost it the Premiership Plate and the Asian Champions League spot it covets. The Reds must quickly overcome its less than impressive recent attacking run if it stands any chance to claim that elusive A-League title.
Those missed opportunities Sunday night cost the team the premiership plate, just like the previous round when the Reds were unable to capitalise against a ten-man Wellington Phoenix and had to settle for a draw, the dropped points critical as the final round played out.
They did have plenty of chances. In fact, the attacking display against Central Coast was an improvement on previous outings.
Had it not been for Danny Vukovic’s head, Adelaide would now be plotting their journey of redemption in next season’s Asian Champions League.
As it stands now, they must claim the title to do that, a task that looks increasingly difficult against the high-scoring Melbourne Victory and Queensland Roar.
Put simply, Adelaide lacks a star striker, a consistent goal scorer, an Archie Thompson, Shane Smeltz, Sergio Van Dijk type marksman.
Brazilian import Christiano has scored eight goals this season but, like buses, they have all come at once and he must rediscover that form.
Marquee player Paul Agostino’s injury-plagued season has cost the Reds a viable alternative up forward and his lack of goal scoring touch was evident against Central Coast.
The other attacking option, Robert Younis, simply cannot handle being the lone striker, a tactic coach Aurelio Vidmar has kept faith with.
Vidmar has rotated his strikers in the past few games, but must settle on a striker and hope they find some form, especially in a home and away two-legged tie in which scoring is imperative.
And even more importantly when the second game is away and you’re up against the effective Thompson and Allsopp partnership.
The Reds impressive defensive unit will once again need to be on top form to compensate.
Since the 6-1 hammering of the Phoenix at the beginning of December, the past seven rounds has seen Adelaide only managing an average of a goal a game.
One positive to emerge from the trip to Central Coast, in addition to the win and thus securing a top two-spot and the double chance, was the impressive debut of defender Michael Marrone.
The Youth League defender created many of Adelaide’s chances with his pace on the right, deft touches and delivery.
All credit to Aurelio Vidmar, who has given youth a chance and been handsomely rewarded for it with breakout performances by the likes of Scott Jamieson and Fabian Barbiero.
With a midfield full of creative players able to create chances, the Reds just need that deadly finisher at the top end of the park.
After their heroics in the Asian Champions League and the World Club Cup, it seems cruel to think they could end their season without any silverware to show for it.
But that is the reality if their strikers are unable to hit the back of the net.
It sounds so obvious and simplistic but it’s the truth.
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