My biggest frustration last night was not moving the ball urgently in the final fifteen minutes. Eze was showing us the attitude needed, but when we won corner after corner we would take our time, mull over a short corner... when we were looking forward, Eze and Piper were showing to make runs but we ignored them. Aarrgh. Next game boys let's do it.
I know we say 11 vs 9 we should win, but The moment Auckland go to 9 men, their sole purpose is to not concede and see out the game.
They completely park the bus and do what they intend to do. They basically set the whole team to defence and it’s actually not that easy to break down.
Our lack of a creative player in the middlemof the park will kill us all season. We needed someone capable of besting a player to draw the other defenders out of their shape to create pockets of space.
Randall will move to a better league at the end of this season.
As soon I heard Kersey was VAR I knew we weren't getting that pen. Terrible call.
I thought LKH did ok against Aucklands big #9. He's growing on me.
Whilst I want to be successful this year, this team looks like it will be a very good side in 2 to 3 years if we keep the majority of our youth.
I don't think Elliot said anything unreasonable. It's understandable he has mixed feelings about the Nix. Got to admire his determination and perseverance, not to mention talent. Excellent player who's really come on.coochiee
AucklandPhoenix
What’s the media source? Procrastinixing
Wow Callan Elliot is an ungrateful little turd. Guess he kinda forgot he got his pro start with us. Fudge that guy.
There was mention just prior to the match starting in this thread about Oli Sail and his comments about threats to his family.
Does anyone have this interview?
If true its sad that both clubs seem to have fans who seem prepared to take things to levels we dont want in NZ sport. Both clubs need to be strong and come down hard on ANY fans who step over the line for whats called supporting your team.
There was mention just prior to the match starting in this thread about Oli Sail and his comments about threats to his family.
Does anyone have this interview?
If true its sad that both clubs seem to have fans who seem prepared to take things to levels we dont want in NZ sport. Both clubs need to be strong and come down hard on ANY fans who step over the line for whats called supporting your team.
Would chanting „Scum, scum, scum,…“ at the Auckland players be stepping over the line?
You do realise that Chris Wood does this a thousand times a season?Fenix
martinb
Fenix
Whatever the law currently says,IMO crosgrove should not be allowed to stand in an offside position from where he attacks. He's clearly seeking an advantage.
Accepted part of a CFs game though internationally. He’s okay as long as he’s not in the box interfering with the keepers eyeline I think.
Maybe. But watching Cosgroves actions in the replay,I think it's farcical that that isn't deemed offside.
No I don't,and that's not the point.
My point is that in the circumstances of the goal yesterday, I think that should be deemed offside.
Now, if the purpose of the current law is to open play up,then fair enough, and it is surely madness to play such a high line which can be so easily undone.
I don't know how you could find the interview now but it was on before the game on sky sport. Had Oli and I think Elliot and someone else Rodgerson maybe give little interview things. From what I remember Oli said stuff like he has no respect for nix fans ever since how he was treated when he played for Perth (also mentioned how he should have respect because of what he did for the nix being captain and played for a long time). Anyways he mentioned when he played for Perth some nix fans were apparently throwing cans at his family and he mentioned his grandmother was there. That is what I remember but sorry I don't know how you would be able to find the video now because I don't think sky sport does that 24 play back thing. Someone please correct me or add on if you remember. AucklandPhoenix
There was mention just prior to the match starting in this thread about Oli Sail and his comments about threats to his family.
The high line is simply not paying off yet. It has cost us two results already, and it is not compensating for it by turning our attack into an awesome irresistable force or anything like that.
It is hard to be optimistic for the season as a whole after these four games. The only positive I can think of is that we have a chance in our next game to better the number of Wellington wins we achieved last season, already. At least that would represent some progress.
Whats grim is that he says Yellow Fever and thats just not the case. We never have and never would condon that sort of behaviour. YF cant people claiming to be YF when they clearly arnt.
If that’s the case then YF should come out with a statement condemning this.. we can’t talk about how poorly behaved members of the Port are, complain how they yell abuse at kids but remain silent on this..ballane
Whats grim is that he says Yellow Fever and thats just not the case. We never have and never would condon that sort of behaviour. YF cant people claiming to be YF when they clearly arnt.
If that’s the case then YF should come out with a statement condemning this.. we can’t talk about how poorly behaved members of the Port are, complain how they yell abuse at kids but remain silent on this..ballane
Whats grim is that he says Yellow Fever and thats just not the case. We never have and never would condon that sort of behaviour. YF cant people claiming to be YF when they clearly arnt.
I think he is referring to the interview with Oli Sail rather than anything that happened yesterday.
Also I believe this is the same person who last season put it on twitter that an AFC fan had their jaw broken by a WSW fan rather than the other way around.
In terms of cans being thrown last season at the home derby, the only thing I heard about was the port throwing cans towards David Dome
The high line is simply not paying off yet. It has cost us two results already, and it is not compensating for it by turning our attack into an awesome irresistable force or anything like that.
It is hard to be optimistic for the season as a whole after these four games. The only positive I can think of is that we have a chance in our next game to better the number of Wellington wins we achieved last season, already. At least that would represent some progress.
My two cents is that if you were a neutral, it was a poor game of football. Still early season I guess but not a great advert for the ALM. Match had lots of excitement, but overall low on quality.
AFC score two soft goals, from the Nix's amateur mess of a high line. Too many Nix players had poor games yesterday. Rufer, Loke, Oluwayemi. Najjarine was pretty invisible. Arminento down on previous weeks.
The only real quality the whole match was Auckland's great defensive structure, Jesse Randall & Eze's strike. As a NZ football fan starting to get excited Randall on course for a break out season.
While I agree with many that 11 men should win against 9, I would be happy if we had drawn. But we lost the game in the first minute. While nobody can begrudge Randall an excellent (second) goal, the first one came from our sheer inexperience and lack of clarity on "who does what and when" in a high line setup. If we still lose goals, because of that, heading into fourth round, clearly this is not good enough. If we were not 1:2 down, but at say a 1:1 draw, I think the last 15 minutes would have played out the same. A-FC would play the same way because the objective would be not to lose the game. If we were leading 1:0 at that time, I do not think A-FC would have parked the bus; they would try to even the score (since attacking in order to even the score would in that scenario be worth the risk of losing 2:0 at that point). So in my books it all boils down to the defensive error in the first minute. And unless this is ironed out, this repetitive mistake alone can cost us the season, even more than the injuries.
Actually, getting outplayed quite a bit these days
If that’s the case then YF should come out with a statement condemning this.. we can’t talk about how poorly behaved members of the Port are, complain how they yell abuse at kids but remain silent on this..ballane
Whats grim is that he says Yellow Fever and thats just not the case. We never have and never would condon that sort of behaviour. YF cant people claiming to be YF when they clearly arnt.
I think he is referring to the interview with Oli Sail rather than anything that happened yesterday.
Also I believe this is the same person who last season put it on twitter that an AFC fan had their jaw broken by a WSW fan rather than the other way around.
In terms of cans being thrown last season at the home derby, the only thing I heard about was the port throwing cans towards David Dome
Seems rather coordinated.
AFC having troubles- sitting with Aussie fans, headbutting their own according to the story, attacking a WSW fan, doxing someone, stalking opposing fans online, Port leaders bragging of being evicted from stadiums and the response is to smear the Yellow Fever.
There’s been one or two pockets of problems in 18 years, but nothing like this in their first year.
Last year we had AP saying how mean we are. This year Callan saying he was let go and the meanie Phoenix. Then we’ve got this guy online saying that two idiots in Perth were Yellow Fever. And not being clear that it was people in the away end in Perth a year ago, not at the derby yesterday.
While I agree with many that 11 men should win against 9, I would be happy if we had drawn. But we lost the game in the first minute; while nobody can begrudge Randall an excellent (second) goal, the first one came from our sheer inexperience and lack of clarity on "who does what and when" in a high line setup. If we still lose goals, because of that, heading into fourth round, clearly this is not good enough. If we were not 1:2 down, but at say a 1:1 draw, I think the last 15 minutes would have played out the same. A-FC would play the same way because the objective would be not to lose the game. If we were leading 1:0 at that time, I do not think A-FC would have parked the bus; they would try to even the score (since attacking in order to even the score would in that scenario be worth the risk of losing 2:0 at that point). So in my books it all boils down to the defensive error in the first minute. And unless this is ironed out, this alone can cost us the season, even more than the injuries.
Yeah I think the high line can work but we do have to pick our moments when its best to use it. I think it was against Brisbane too right from kick off they had a similar break can't remember if it was offside or they just didn't score but I don't think we need to be doing the aggressive high line straight from kick off while the team settles into the game.
Also we should change how high we press per team, against Auckland they're a team that likes to play direct and go long so it's less effective against them than a team like the Jets who like to play short passes and keep the ball.
What was said by Sail in the Sky pre-game coverage segment was that Phoenix fans had chucked cans at his family and friends group at the Nix home game v Perth, including his grandmother.
Ifill was good and said leave Grandma out of it and that he hoped there was nothing untoward about it.
No mention of YF.
Sail said he had expected some respect from Nix fans as a past captain and long serving player, but that respect was gone. He does not have so much respect for Wellington fans now, he says.
A bit of a gross over generalization from Sail. He might have been more diplomatic. But dumb from whichever fans did that.
If that’s the case then YF should come out with a statement condemning this.. we can’t talk about how poorly behaved members of the Port are, complain how they yell abuse at kids but remain silent on this..ballane
Whats grim is that he says Yellow Fever and thats just not the case. We never have and never would condon that sort of behaviour. YF cant people claiming to be YF when they clearly arnt.
Why should we its been the position of YF for since forever and have you not heard some of the stuff coming out of some of our fans mouths. Not everything that is said or done by Phoenix fans should be attributed YF.
Havnt seen to many comment about it but i thought LKH did a good job in standing up to the shark Cosgrove was giving him. How he was able to stay on the pitch for throwing the elbow is staggering. He is certainly a red card waiting to happen.
Cosgrove showed he had the passion and what impressed me most is he really got onto the press which is not his natural game and shows he’s really trying to fit into the AFC team. He also ended up with two goals in 52 minutes and should have had a third with the header which is why he was signed.
I hope this game and the bit of claret served as a wake up call for LKH, adding some desperately needed agression to his game moving forward.
There is a footballer there if he can keep that agro going and also work on his heading, he could become a beast of a centre back.ballane
Havnt seen to many comment about it but i thought LKH did a good job in standing up to the shark Cosgrove was giving him. How he was able to stay on the pitch for throwing the elbow is staggering. He is certainly a red card waiting to happen.
LKH played well, and man marking a niggly big body Cosgrove for 50 mins as a CB is the type of game, where a young player like him learns a lot.
If he can add that tougher, harder edge to his game, lower tier UK clubs will be looking at him. Yelling at team mates, the ref, the opposition may never be his thing - but you can still portray some calm toughness without that.
If that’s the case then YF should come out with a statement condemning this.. we can’t talk about how poorly behaved members of the Port are, complain how they yell abuse at kids but remain silent on this..ballane
Whats grim is that he says Yellow Fever and thats just not the case. We never have and never would condon that sort of behaviour. YF cant people claiming to be YF when they clearly arnt.
Why should we its been the position of YF for since forever and have you not heard some of the stuff coming out of some of our fans mouths. Not everything that is said or done by Phoenix fans should be attributed YF.
Just to add in the first instance quoting of Brandon - Be very wary of where information is being picked up on twitter...
The account may appear all well and proper, but the alter ego account run by the same guy is just an Aucklander with an axe to grind / bordering on Phoenix obsession.
What was said by Sail in the Sky pre-game coverage segment was that Phoenix fans had chucked cans at his family and friends group at the Nix home game v Perth, including his grandmother.
Ifill was good and said leave Grandma out of it and that he hoped there was nothing untoward about it.
No mention of YF.
Sail said he had expected some respect from Nix fans as a past captain and long serving player, but that respect was gone. He does not have so much respect for Wellington fans now, he says.
A bit of a gross over generalization from Sail. He might have been more diplomatic. But dumb from whichever fans did that.
You do realise that Chris Wood does this a thousand times a season?Fenix
martinb
Fenix
Whatever the law currently says,IMO crosgrove should not be allowed to stand in an offside position from where he attacks. He's clearly seeking an advantage.
Accepted part of a CFs game though internationally. He’s okay as long as he’s not in the box interfering with the keepers eyeline I think.
Maybe. But watching Cosgroves actions in the replay,I think it's farcical that that isn't deemed offside.
No I don't,and that's not the point.
My point is that in the circumstances of the goal yesterday, I think that should be deemed offside.
Now, if the purpose of the current law is to open play up,then fair enough, and it is surely madness to play such a high line which can be so easily undone.
I would argue using deep runners to then link up with a CF who as long as he is behind the ball for the final pass is just as valid a tactic as the high line. I understand you are advocating for the law to change but the reality is perhaps the high line tactic needs to change?
Thoughts on last night mixed in with thoughts from the other games this season - Our high line is in place to squeeze the opposition, creating pressure that leads to turnovers. Last night, we did well enough from the 2nd minute until the 25th. With Eze’s worldie testament to how well it can work when it all comes together. However, after the 25th, AFC either had the ball under control and were pushing us, or they were down men and camped in their 18-yard box. We didn’t really create much else.
AFC, with a man (or 2) down and with a 1-goal lead, were happy to camp in their box to restrict the options, but they would have also been confident in the knowledge that we had no better way of creating goalscoring opportunities than pressing.
In somewhat of a mismatch to our highline tactic, our attackers are very good at running into space, such as LBS, Eze, Piper, Armiento, etc, but no one has the skills to slip in a pass to unlock defences. Most still fit Chiefy ball 1.0 and 2.0, where we sat back and hit on counters.
The other aspect where our attackers lack range is that they all like flick-ons. What showed tonight is that we need attackers who can hold a ball. But we never saw it. Piper is good with his head but not so with his feet. LBS doesn't have the best touch either, and Eze was rarely found in the 2nd half. This meant that when tight, if we got the ball to players in dangerous areas, they couldn't bring it down and control it.
On our creative players, with Ishige gone for the season, our creative player stocks are dangerously low. I suppose Najjarine looks like the next most creative type of player. Maybe. And as he is only just coming back from injury, it is hard to tell if he is that player or not, but from his A-League experiences to date, I am not sure. So really, that only leaves one option for solving this issue: scour the free agent market for a creative midfielder. We managed to find one last year, and our scouting is usually pretty good, so maybe we need to roll that dice early.
However, while we do need a creative player to unlock low blocks/9-man buses, this still doesn’t solve all of the issues with our aggressive highline approach. Chiefy was quoted as saying something to the effect of he watched Barca do it and thought “why can’t the Nix do that?”. Well, as we have seen in the past 4 games, it takes a lot more than just pushing so high up that your defenders get nose bleeds. The reasons why Barca can do it are that they have fast, mobile and tactically sound defenders. And if they get caught out, then, Yamal, Lewandowski, Pedri and co. can always score more. As we have ok defenders and some ok attackers (the young ones all with bright futures). But that doesn't mean that we can execute the tactic flawlessly each game. I'd say so far this season, we have only done it to effect in certain periods of games. The rest of the time, we are on the back foot. So, to me the whole logic behind the tactic just doesn't make sense. Also, again, comparing with Barca, they can almost perfectly game in and game out, regardless of injuries. We can’t even do it with all our front-line players in, let alone when you have 3x20-year-old CBs, your two key imports out and 17-year-olds and a 27-year-old who has never played pro football before (though I think Edwards did well considering). With the above, it begs the question, why do we do it then? Why use such an extreme tactic? I do love Chiefy for how pure he sees the game and his idealism of it. But unless he gets more pragmatic, he is going to get fired.
Not sure when any of this has gone and I didn't mean to write a novel when I sat down...but I suppose I'd like to finish with a plea to Chiefy. Please find a balance between Chiefy ball 1.0 and 3.0, where we have a defensive system that matches the players we have, and we structure our attacks to suit the players we have.
And always and forever, COYN!
I have an amazing ability to find my way out of mazes. I'm pathological.
Screenshot_20251109_153713_Firefox.jpg385.11 KB For anyone wondering what the Fever tifo was last night as Sky never cut to it - which was also the case for the 3rd Derby last season as well
No but he is spot on. His trratment by the Nix fans that day was reprehensible. He gave 9 years to the club and earned many points for it.
Wish he was still here.brookem
I don't know how you could find the interview now but it was on before the game on sky sport. Had Oli and I think Elliot and someone else Rodgerson maybe give little interview things. From what I remember Oli said stuff like he has no respect for nix fans ever since how he was treated when he played for Perth (also mentioned how he should have respect because of what he did for the nix being captain and played for a long time). Anyways he mentioned when he played for Perth some nix fans were apparently throwing cans at his family and he mentioned his grandmother was there. That is what I remember but sorry I don't know how you would be able to find the video now because I don't think sky sport does that 24 play back thing. Someone please correct me or add on if you remember. AucklandPhoenix
There was mention just prior to the match starting in this thread about Oli Sail and his comments about threats to his family.
In response to kwlap above I think, we have to give Chiefy some leeway with James out, plus Hughes missing the first few games. His two best CBs out for periods, when trying to bed in this completely new, almost 'radical' setup.
Plus AKH is still getting back to GK fitness, and he may just be a better fit for this highline strategy than Oluwayemi. We don't know yet. But a confdent keeper knowing when to sweep, and when not so so important.
However if the Nix are still leaking goals like the two yesterday by Christmas, what to do then?
Chief last season - we are going to stick with the strategy despite not having the right players for it, the results having been poor every week, players that would enable the strategy injured.
Chief this season - we are going to stick with the strategy despite not having the right players for it, the results having been poor every week, players that would enable the strategy injured.
