Del Piero’s Sydney FC off to disappointing start
Roar Rookie By SydneyGunner, 7 Oct 2012 SydneyGunner is a Roar Rookie
- Tagged:
- A-League, Alessandro Del Piero, football, Sydney FC, Wellington Phoenix
Alessandro Del Piero sparkeld, but Sydney FC struggled against Wellington. (AAP Image/SNPA, Ross Setford)
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There is little to write home about from across the Tasman if you’re a Sydney FC supporter. Sydney were well and truly beaten at Westpac Stadium yesterday, losing 2-0 to the impressive Wellington Phoenix.
Playing at the fortress which is Westpac Stadium, the Phoenix conjured up a magical evening to give their manager, Ricki Herbert, his 52nd A-League victory.
The breakthrough came for the Phoenix in the 42nd minute, just before half time, when new import Stein Huysegems showed great composure to slot one past Necevski in the Sydney goal.
A second goal arrived with a beautiful move down the right, which saw youngster Louis Fenton head in a pinpoint cross from Manny Muscat with just a little over 15 minutes left to play.
Wellington showed great cohesion throughout the team and demonstrated a fluency of play, which Sydney would be envious of to say the least. Their passing from the back was accurate and often attacking, with few back-passes or mistakes.
The link up play among the midfielders and attackers was seamless, with the only negative being the amount of chances they let slide. On another day, against tougher opposition, I daresay the Phoenix would have been punished for their inaccuracy in front of goal.
Sydney F.C. failed to show up. Their defence looked out of sorts, from the central pairing of Griffiths and McClenahan, to Emerton and Fabio on the wings.
The holding midfielders, McFlynn and Antonis, looked overwhelmed at times, with Lovrek contributing very little to the game in his attacking role.
The only slight sparkle came from the top, with Alessandro Del Piero showing much of the class that he possesses. Del Piero will certainly challenge the any A-League team’s defence, as long as he gets the right service and builds on his match fitness.
Another positive could be found in the form of pace on the wings. Mallia and Chianese provided some glimpses of the threat that they could pose to defences around the country.
Overall, it was a bitterly disappointing performance from Sydney, with little to draw from the loss for the future.
On the other hand, the Phoenix will be buoyed by the performance of several new players, and more importantly by the team’s effort as a collective unit.
Wellington will be eyeing a place in the playoffs once again this season, with Sydney looking to overturn yet another disappointing start.
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- Explore:
- A-League, Alessandro Del Piero, football, Sydney FC, Wellington Phoenix
October 7th 2012 @ 5:24am
Q said | October 7th 2012 @ 5:24am | Report comment
The positives, Rage has been playing Pink Floyd all morning!
Back on topic, not to sure about Crook, but only time will tell.
October 7th 2012 @ 8:06am
striker said | October 7th 2012 @ 8:06am | Report comment
How the hell they Sydney fc can stick with Mcflynn no wonder there hopeless, west sydney at least have structure and played decent football sydney FC apart from Del Piero
October 7th 2012 @ 9:02am
Roger said | October 7th 2012 @ 9:02am | Report comment
Sydney FC 2012-13 are the same as Melbourne Victory 2011-12
Melbourne 2011-12 – Hype and expectation
Sydney 2012-13 – Hype and expectation
Melbourne 2011-12 – Rookie Coach
Sydney 2012-13 – Rookie Coach
Melbourne 2011-12 – Huge marquee signing
Sydney 2012-13 – Huge marquee signing
Melbourne 2011-12 – Team built around marquee that arrived a few weeks before kick-off
Sydney 2012-13 – Team built around marquee that arrived a few weeks before kick-off
Melbourne 2011-12 – A poor season finishing outside of the top 6
Sydney 2012-13 – ………..?
October 7th 2012 @ 9:46am
Minister for Information for the Democratic People's Republic of Football said | October 7th 2012 @ 9:46am | Report comment
Based on what I saw yesterday it’s hard to argue with that Roger. It was a totally inept display. I’ll hold my fire on Crooky for 2 more weeks. If it doesn’t improve I’ll give him both barrels.
October 7th 2012 @ 9:51am
Brick Tamlin of the Pants Party said | October 7th 2012 @ 9:51am | Report comment
That was an absolutely shocking display from Sydney.The only thing they could really take away from that match is that over the history of the A-League i don’t think i’ve seen any Aussie side perform outstandingly at the cake tin.
October 7th 2012 @ 10:03am
Krasic said | October 7th 2012 @ 10:03am | Report comment
Poor Del Piero……He was fantastic, great touch and an amazing vision of play. Alas, the same can not be said of his team mates. That performance from Sydney was one of the worst displays of Football I have ever seen. And to think that the game was telecast live in Italy. Can you imagine what they think of our standard after such a display ?!?!
Forza Del Piero. I will be watching all Sydney games to watch him. Legend !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 7th 2012 @ 10:36am
Brick Tamlin of the Pants Party said | October 7th 2012 @ 10:36am | Report comment
Its a shame the Melbourne derby wasn’t telecast in Italy,im sure they would have loved that game.Again the cake tin seems to bring out the worst in travelling sides so i don’t think all hope is lost for the fans of Sydney FC,they have two bumper games coming up but if they can’t lift their performance for those old Del might be looking for a release clause in his contract!
October 7th 2012 @ 9:34pm
Q said | October 7th 2012 @ 9:34pm | Report comment
That was MT first thought, the Italians would be clamoring to their tv sets next week.
October 7th 2012 @ 10:04am
MV Dave said | October 7th 2012 @ 10:04am | Report comment
My only solace after watching MV’s poor performance on Friday night was watching an inept SFC yesterday…great stuff as it gave me a sense that MV could still make the finals
October 7th 2012 @ 10:11am
Krasic said | October 7th 2012 @ 10:11am | Report comment
I agree. At least Victory have a clear style of play that they are aiming for. They will only get better. Great coach.
October 7th 2012 @ 11:28am
Roger said | October 7th 2012 @ 11:28am | Report comment
+1
October 7th 2012 @ 11:51am
jamesb said | October 7th 2012 @ 11:51am | Report comment
I think the A-league needs to have three marquee signings per club.At least than someone like Del Piero might play with someone on a similar wavelength.
Of course the immediate problem would be where would you get the money from to get these extra marquee signings. I’ve said many times before the FFA need to find new revenue streams to bring into the game and shouldn’t rely just on the tv deal.
When you watch games last night such as Sydney FC or the Wanderers, players like McFlynn, Bridge, Haliti are not up to A-league standard. The problem is theres too many players like McFlynn in A-League, and less players of star quality like Del piero.
I’m not saying every player has to be in Del Pieros class, but I did enjoy watching players like Rogic, Mooy and Fenton.
Mix it up with star quality and promising youngersters, you than have a quality league.
Get rid of the dead wood in McFlynn and Co., and maybe than a team like Sydney FC might improve.
October 7th 2012 @ 1:29pm
nordster said | October 7th 2012 @ 1:29pm | Report comment
Can see where u are coming from. As many cap exempt/marquee players the better provided some clubs are able to have more than others. Some clubs could afford it, most can’t and shouldn’t be expected to.
Seems like a bit of a lost chance for SFC to spend so much on one guy, but not have the option to add some extra quality to get the best out of ADP.
October 7th 2012 @ 12:46pm
Bondy. said | October 7th 2012 @ 12:46pm | Report comment
Worst game so far that one,the wanderers could roll sydney fc off that performance.
October 7th 2012 @ 1:28pm
Matt F said | October 7th 2012 @ 1:28pm | Report comment
The result wasn’t the worst thing in the world. it’s always tough to win in Wellington and our record over there is poor but the performance was absolutely woeful. There were basic turnovers that would embarrass even the most amateur of local park players. The Victory may have lost but at least they should some positive signs. Mcflynn seems to look worse and worse every season.
However it’s still early days and it’s a long season but we’re a long way off being what we would like to be. ADP showed some very nice signs while Mallia and Chaianese had odd moments here and there. I thought Fabio had a reasonable game as well. That’s about it though I’m afraid.
October 7th 2012 @ 2:27pm
Tony said | October 7th 2012 @ 2:27pm | Report comment
Yes, Sydney were not really at the races were they?
Credit to the Phoenix, all of their new signings showed great signs of promise, especially the two goal scorers.
Looks like the Nix have finally invested in some suitable attacking talent to compliment their usual defensive might, they’ll be in the playoffs for sure… and may well be lining up in the Grand Final.
October 7th 2012 @ 3:08pm
Nathan of Perth said | October 7th 2012 @ 3:08pm | Report comment
Fenton was a real performer, Ifill still dangerous.