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Sydney FC are going through another rollercoaster season in the A-League.
After a run of three consecutive losses early in the season they then bounced back with four straight victories.
However their recent form of only one win in seven has seen them drop out of the top six, and the improved displays by Adelaide United and Wellington Phoenix means that a spot in the finals could be a big ask for the Sky Blues.
Their team’s performance against the Central Coast Mariners on Saturday night was all too familiar for Sydney FC fans, and many voted with their feet by departing Allianz Stadium before the full time whistle.
The lack of creativity in midfield, and a general lack of pace through the team left the Mariners largely untroubled. The 1-0 score line at full time was if anything flattering to the Sky Blues.
The lack of creativity and penetration is highlighted by a statistic that shows Sydney only managed one successful pass into the penalty box in 90 minutes of play – and that was from a corner. The Sky Blues actually set up their side with decent width – something they have not often done in the past, generally favouring a narrow diamond formation.
However, without a natural winger in the squad they were not able to create noteworthy chances.
Worryingly Alessandro Del Piero was too often the most advanced Sydney player on the pitch. The Italian’s lack of pace and fitness means he is far from an ideal target man.
He would be more effective in a deeper position releasing the pacey Gameiro or picking out the aerially strong Despotovic.
Watching the game it was noticeable how the Mariners dominated in midfield. Having looked at a player influence map from Saturday night it shows that the Sydney midfield was biased to the right, leaving the left side exposed.
This is also the side where Del Piero had most influence, and he is hardly going to track back and cover the midfield behind him.
Sydney’s tackle map also shows how the Mariners then targeted their left hand side. Marc Warren struggled at times at left back, as he has done on a number of occasions this season, eventually leaving the field injured.
All of the above a far from new problems for Sydney FC, but it seems they are still no nearer to finding answers. One of the biggest questions facing coach Frank Farina in the remaining weeks of the season is how he utilises Del Piero.
The influence that the Italian has on the team has clearly diminished, and Sydney’s over reliance on him has now been horribly exposed.
Farina still seems to have the support of the club’s hierarchy at this stage, even if large portions of the supporters are less than convinced. If Sydney fail to make the finals for a second successive season it is unlikely that Farina will survive in his post.
As an interesting side note, the coach that Sydney initially wanted, Ian Crook, stepped aside in 2012 has now become available after Gary van Egmond was sacked by Newcastle Jets on Monday.
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