The Wanderers have won their seventh straight match and condemned Melbourne Victory to their second successive defeat in a high-quality game of football.
REPORT: WANDERERS CLAIM SEVEN STRAIGHT
Mark Bridge and Romeo Castelen were the players who scored for the Wanderers in their 2-0 win. Castelen was outstanding and caused Melbourne huge problems every time he was on the ball, a class above.
The Victory had their chances but Andrew Redmayne was solid in goal for the Wanderers, and Besart Berisha well contained.
The Wanderers are clear favourites for the A-league title after this effort.
Wanderers 2-0 Victory
Ladder leaders the Western Sydney Wanderers host reigning A-League champions Melbourne Victory on Saturday night in the match of the round. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7.30pm AEDT.
Six wins on the trot sees the Wanderers flying high on top of the A-League table. The off-season restructuring of the club’s roster has clearly paid dividends for Western Sydney, who are enjoying one of the best periods in their short history.
Having moved away from the defensive-minded approach that allowed the club to make two grand final appearances on the trot, the Wanderers have now adopted more offensive tactics in their bid to bounce back from a poor 2014/15 campaign.
The change in philosophy has seen Western Sydney become a team worthy of favouritism for the A-League title.
Players such as Andreu, Mark Bridge, Romeo Castelen and rising star Mitch Nichols have breathed new life into the Wanderers attack and they will cause problems for a Victory side coming off a poor performance against Wellington last week.
Nichols in particular continues to strengthen his claim for a place in the Socceroos squad with a sensational winner against Brisbane Roar last week, curling the ball past the keeper from outside the box with a sweet right-footed strike.
Given his great form, It wouldn’t surprise to see Nichols once again on the scoresheet today, as the Wanderers aim to make the most of Victory’s dip in form.
After a great start to their premiership defence, Melbourne were flat against the Phoenix and paid the price with a 2-nil defeat in a match they never looked like winning.
Indeed their loss to Wellington could signal the beginning of a form slump after a long period of sustained success.
However, a team that features class players Besart Berisha, Ben Khalfallah, Kosta Barbarouses and Guilherme Finkler is bound to test any team, even one as in-form as the Wanderers.
With that said, it is difficult to tip against the Wanderers at home and one expects them to finally end a four-match winless streak against Victory.
Wanderers to win 2-0
Vic Tory
Guest
You have no idea Paul.You won the game. The ref had a good game. Wanderers played well and deserved the win.Show a little bit off humility and enjoy the win.
RBBAnonymous
Guest
I also thought he refereed a decent match. Could have called a penalty for both sides and if he called that first one on Alberto our CB it might have altered the match. Even so wsw deserved the win an a fantastic match. Boycott what boycott. This is what football is about and its only getting better in Aus.
Paul
Guest
Refereeing was atrocious. 22 fouls of which 12 or so gifted to M. Vic. blatant simulation not penalised. the only conclusion is...biased refereeing!
AZ_RBB
Guest
Offttt what a game! The first half was absolutely breathless. We really should have been 2-0 up within a few minutes but MVFC had some big chances as well. Could have been 3-3 or something by half time. Awesome tempo and ball movement from both teams. But I feel that we really took control in the second half. We were confident and clinical in almost everything we did and very much deserved the lead. I think 2-0 was a little flattering in the end as it was closer than that. Surprised at how many fouls there were in that game. Really didn't feel that way. Actually felt that the referee could have let a few challenges go and let the game flow a bit more. But we seem to be mixing some of the bullying tactics that served us well in the season 1 with some quality possession this season. The atmosphere? Wow! I would say it was better than some derbies. It was the perfect storm of a top of the table clash and the resolution to the FFA protests. Would be curious to know where MVC fans put this rivalry against all their other rivalries. Being a very proud Sydneysider I have an ingrained hatred for Melbourne, so this clash is big for me.
Vic Tory
Guest
We'll done by the Wanderers.Better team on the night.Excellent game by both sides.I thought Georgievski was poor tonight.Good performance by the Ref.
RBBAnonymous
Guest
That was a great game of football regardless of the result. Two teams playing positive attacking football. I wont lie, glad the boys got up. You never feel safe with Victory on the same park. Thoroughly deserved.
Alan
Roar Guru
The Wanderers win seven straight matches and condemn the Victory to their second successive defeat in a high quality game of football. Bridge and Castelen the players who scored tonight. Castelen was outstanding and caused Melbourne huge problems every time he was on the ball. A class above. The Victory had their chances but Redmayne was solid in goal for the Wanderers. Berisha well contained. Wanderers clear favourites for the A-league title after this effort. Wanderers 2 Victory 0
Alan
Roar Guru
FULLTIME Wanderers 2 Victory 0 A fantastic win for the Wanderers. Too good.
Alan
Roar Guru
94' - Melbourne with back to back defeats. Mind you not many teams can take six points from Wellington and the Wanderers away from home two weeks in a row.... Wanderers 2 Victory 0
Planko
Guest
That duchy looking real good
Alan
Roar Guru
92' - Wanderers look the more likely to add to their lead. Wanderers firm favourites for the title now... Wanderers 2 Victory 0
Alan
Roar Guru
90' - Prediction rings true yet again. Wanderers just too strong and clinical tonight. Victory had their chances but the Wanderers momentum very difficult to stop Wanderers 2 Victory 0
Alan
Roar Guru
88' - Time a real enemy for Victory now. Freekick. Shocking attempt from Pain. Sotirio now on the counter attack for the Wanderers. Wanderers 2 Victory 0
Alan
Roar Guru
86' - Topor-Stanley once again a rock at the back for the Wanderers. Such a calming influence in defence for Western Sydney. Santalab now booked. Wanderers 2 Victory 0
Alan
Roar Guru
84' - Wanderers in control with minutes remaining. Wanderers have been the better team. Castelen is subbed off and a great reception for him. Man of the match in my book. Wanderers 2 Victory 0
Alan
Roar Guru
82' - Can the Wanderers go on and win ten in a row? Who can stop them in this form? Wanderers 2 Victory 0
Mister Football
Roar Guru
game over not Vuka's finest moment
Alan
Roar Guru
Vukovic probably should have done better there but Castelen's drive too hot to handle at the near post. Victory in trouble. Back to back defeats surely now. Wanderers 2 Victory 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Castelen scores his first goal of the season and well deserved. Best player on the park and he is rewarded with the match winner I think! Ball deflected into the net but Castelen will claim it! Wanderers 2 Victory 0
Alan
Roar Guru
GOAL WANDERERS Wanderers 2 Victory 0