Central Coast Mariners again the underdog this season – but can they fight the top dogs? AAP Image/Steve Holland
Who are the Mariners biggest threats towards their race for the 2011/12 title? After their first three games, I think the best answer would be themselves.
With a late Patty Zwanswijk header resulting in their only competition point in three games for the constant A-League underdogs, many questions are being asked of their ability to win matches.
This weekend against the Newcastle Jets, the Mariners were disappointing to say the least.
Let’s start with how their backline affected the result, as before the Coasties have to worry about netting at the other end of the field, they should refocus their game towards limiting handovers to opposing strikers and gifting simple scoring opportunities.
Three badly judged passes in the Mariners line of defence saw Matt Ryan constantly pressured and no chance to stop the Jets’ opening goal, Jeremy Brockie tapping past him after being fed the ball (by the Mariners) 18 yards out and easily dancing around two Mariners defenders.
If we look back to the Mariners performance in the Grand Final rematch of round one against the league champions, there was plenty of heart shown and opportunities created.
The Mariners are always up to the challenges of the big games, thriving on their must win mentality and a never say die attitude. But that is not always enough to compete on the professional stage.
They need to score; they need a dominant strike force up front.
Full credit must go to Graham Arnold for the job he is doing with the mix of youth and experience within his squad and I think it would be harsh to write the Mariners off just yet.
In the coming weeks we should see the return of several key players including Mustafa Amini, an overnight household name who holds a cult following this side of the freeway and is remembered by everyone who saw him make his debut by ripping apart Perth Glory last season.
Amini has not yet started in the A-League this season but looked strong in a midweek clash against the Jets at youth level.
Soon to receive a welcomed reception by fans is John Hutchinson, who is both hated by all and loved by the Yellow Army and is returning from Chinese Superstars the Chengdu Blades on a loan agreement. He joins the club on October 30, and will be available after this week’s match.
Club Captain Alex Wilkinson will also have an impact as leader and a rock in the backline when he returns from injury.
So with Round Four in sights – which brings no doubt a crucial match up for the Central Coast Mariners against Perth Glory – only time will tell if the one week turnaround has solved their suicidal defensive decisions and allowed Arnie to devise a plan of attack to put them back in the A-league champions mixer.
Regardless of the players on the injury list, it is clear the current starting 11 must lift their game. Perth Glory will be crossing their fingers on Graham Arnold holding young Amini back for just one more week.
Kick off is scheduled for 5:30pm at Bluetongue Stadium on Saturday 29th October.
Midfielder
Guest
Problem is twofold... Musty & Prez we had a number 10 to go to ... they created space for evryone to work in... they don't have that space... Musty gets back soon I hope... But always remember it is never as bad as it seems... and something to cheer everyone one ... trust me its good.. and that last line is the best ... hope you enjoy... http://dingo.care2.com/cards/flash/5409/galaxy.swf
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Matt Simon. One of the worst centre-forwards in the A-League
Al
Guest
I am not a fan of the 4-4-2 diamond that the Mariners are employing in the context of the A-League, it is a system that works in Italy where the underlying thinking is that control of centre of the pitch is always of critical importance (ie: based on the classical chess strategy of controlling the centre of the board), where narrow diamonds, or Napoli's implementation of the 3-4-3 for example are the norm, however in Australia, where most teams still play with wider formations and play the flanks, a diamond leaves the flanks exposed. Brisbane for example smashed the Mariners by the sheer weight of the overlapping wingback forays deep into Mariner territory, with only the Mariners' fullbacks in position to contain their attacking thrusts. Assigning the central midfielders of the diamond to track wingback runs in order to help the fullbacks does nothing but forfeit the centre of the park, thus any loss of possession leaves gaping holes in the centre to exploit if these midfielders are slow to take back position in the centre. I would like to see Arnold not stick to the one formation but to utilise a flatter formation when playing against teams that play with width.
Qantas supports Australian Football
Guest
Too early to assess teams---the Roar have had a brilliant start but they also have had two home games out of three. I would not make a judgment until a couple of more games are played.
nordozzz
Roar Guru
strikeforce wise ... Ibini no doubt changed the game when he came on against GCU. Whether he could have that effect yet from a starting berth i'm not sure. Much easier to impact a stale performance and make an impression off the bench. I'd worry he'd get lost in the malaise a little just now if he started. Exciting talent no doubt ... even my 7yo nephew switched his attention from 'chair surfing' his seat at Bluetongue when Bernie came on!