Match 16 vs Western United | Sun 11th Apr | 9:05pm | SS7

Well done. Geez we've been in the position to do that a lot to get points late and haven't done it. 
Waine-o! Waine-o! 
We won a game and we get to go home!
Waine-o! Waine-o!
We beat the Snakes and we get to go home.

How good is the hug between Waine and Sutton at the end. 

Dura still claiming it wasn't a pen in his interview, the dude is so old he's clearly lost his mind (I'm older than him so I can say that without offending the pc crowd). 

Marto

Ball MoM with Suts getting an honourable mention.

Sotirio MIA except for when he magically appeared for the goal. Fenton and Lewis poor tonight.

Maybe not one of Fenton's best games but I thought both Sotirio and Lewis did a ton of undramatic, unnoticed hard running, which at the end of the day contributes just as much to a good team result.

Waine seems like a nice kid, clearly meets the no dickhead policy. 

Fwiw Burnley vs Newcastle just started in the EPL if you want some more kiwi football action! 

Outpost

Marto

Ball MoM with Suts getting an honourable mention.

Sotirio MIA except for when he magically appeared for the goal. Fenton and Lewis poor tonight.

Maybe not one of Fenton's best games but I thought both Sotirio and Lewis did a ton of undramatic, unnoticed hard running, which at the end of the day contributes just as much to a good team result.

 plus laid on a great chance for Waine too. 

 Fantastic watch that game.

Credit to Talay for keeping the starting XI out there until 90 mins and it coming through. We were definitely dominating last 20 mins, great for it to pay off.

Sutton man of the match, great performance on starting debut, was really impressed with his passing right from the first minute. Great pass into box for second goal, and that was an awesome cross for final goal. 

Waine is a magical player. 

I love watching him play, he is so damn talented, and he looks so grateful every time her scores. 

No Waine, we are grateful for having you. 

Bananas

Waine is a magical player. 

I love watching him play, he is so damn talented, and he looks so grateful every time her scores. 

No Waine, we are grateful for having you. 

He will be one to watch at the Olympics.

Fudge me I hope Sutton went over to Berisha and said 'hi, I'm Sam Sutton and I set up the winner'. 

That was an exiting game, the Sutton-Waine goal was pure class to a very deserved win.

David Ball.  I swear there were three David Balls on the pitch last night.  Laws did well, Devlin/Lewis showed us what a effective DM pair can actually do.  Sutton looks promising as.  I'd also like to acknowledge the way Cam Devlin kept his head effortlessly when he was obviously being targeted. Any other league in the natural universe and Berisha is off for that Kung Fu challenge...

Absolutely love the passion Devlin brings to the game. Gives 100% and provides us with the much needed grit in the midfield. 

Please for Sutton - kid played well. 

what a game, winning when we dominated for so much f it was perfect. Doing it against Berisha, Rudan and Durante just perfect.
Davila was on fire, we need hm to stay in that form for the rest of the season, Ball too, his work rate was amazing, involved in most of our attakcs and dragging defenders to give Davila more space, Lewis and Devlin controlled the midfield well, I cant se Rufer getting a start any time soon. Lewis' ability to find his striker with a forward pass is so much better than Rufer's, he made Sotirio look dangerous. Thought the back four did a good job too, Sutton clearly not overawed by his first start and first minutes this season. Great to see Waine play 90, and sore the winner.
Pens were both correct calls, not why Dura thought that because the ball came off his hip it wasnt a handball, accidental fr sure, but his arm was making him unnaturally large - clearly doesn't know all the rules. Berisha was very lucky not to see a red, high boot with studs towards a players head - and what looked like contact with Devlin? 
Stoked with the win, now we need to keep it going for the rest of the season.

Bananas

Waine is a magical player. 

I love watching him play, he is so damn talented, and he looks so grateful every time her scores. 

No Waine, we are grateful for having you. 

  I have only seen the first half - but he didn't feature?

Well done all, including Ollie Sail who kept us in the game again.  Can't wait until the game at the Cake Tin. We need a super effort from every single Nix fan to ensure the biggest crowd possible turns up.

Royz

Guys ffs can we still make the top 6 now?.

Yes, but probably no. We currently have won 1.13 points per game, while it looks like sixth place will be around the 1.5ppg mark (WSW 1.47, WUN 1.43). For us to get up to 1.5ppg we need to get a touch over 2ppg for the remaining matches (so win 2 of every three). Not impossible, but pretty unlikely.

Just a little dig at Mr Snake himself:
[On Lachlan Wales]

 “He was initially assessed by the doctor and the physio and we’ve got a doctor back home in Melbourne as well that saw it, and he saw something more obviously,” Western coach Mark Rudan said.

 “We had a discussion about it and upon review and speaking and going through the right channels and going through our own process as a football club we thought it was the best thing for the player to come off."

It's this sort of thinking I really don't miss about Rudan. I do miss how much fight our team had in it while he was the coach, though we've matched that intensity last season and in patches this season under Uffie.

But he's basically trying to pull the wool over our eyes and justifying a TERRIBLE decision. Didn't take a doctor to tell you he should have come off - we all saw he passed out before hitting the ground. Where did your medics and physios get their degrees? Inside a Kinder egg?!
Also, what is the "process as a football club" to choose when a player with concussion needs to be subbed off? Suppose if someone were to have a heart attack, you'd hold a workshop and get the "relevant stakeholders" to come up with a strategy that takes the "football club's" mission statement and philosophy into account?
No, you snake. You made a bad decision - likely due to receiving ill counsel from your staff - and are trying to justify it. You are a former professional footballer and could have made the decision to pull him off, but didn't.
That is wrong, misleading and ultimately bad for the player's health!

What a game, edge of the seat stuff.

Thought we were lucky on our pen - the ball did deflect off Dura's chest into his arm and, technically, that shouldn't be handball - but the handball rule is broken. Glad it got given, but think we got away with one.

Western were godawful defensively. Gave Davila so much room to turn and run at them so many times, they're damn lucky that our forwards didn't have their finishing boots on, we could've won that by 3 or 4.

Sutton looked pretty decent defensively and while he wasn't as aggressive as McGarry that probably contributes to him being a bit more sound and less space in behind him to exploit. He did play the ball around nicely and can clearly cross it, I'm no longer at all concerned about his ability to play in the backline.

Pretty quiet game from Waine. Seemed to just bounce the ball back into midfield whenever he got it in the front line. Had some good chances, but took the one that mattered. Looking forward to seeing him get more minutes.

Top 6 is still alive, still silly mistakes to cut out but positive signs last night missing 3 key players Taylor, Piscopo and Hemed. COYN. 

Still buzzing about finally snatching a result rather than having one taken away.

Ball absolutely huge work rate, and Davila just so influential right to the end.

Every time I watch Fenton pick the ball up in advanced positions I remember his debut against Sydney when he was taking players on with confidence and beating them with skill and pace, now he either plays backwards or hits a cross into the keepers hands.

Lewis and Devlin is surely our first choice midfield combo, just much better balance than either of them with Rufer at the moment unfortunately 

That was the best gae of footy I have watched in a long time
We just got better and better as the game wore on

reg22

That was the best gae of footy I have watched in a long time
We just got better and better as the game wore on

To me Nix v WSW was a better quality drama filled game, even if Nix lost.
Last night was a real good win, and two Academy products combining for the winner was a nice feel good story.

But Western were average. Big step down from playing Melb City's quality last weekend. I wouldn't get too carried away judging the Devlin-Lewis combo solely on last night. And as mentioned above Davila found acres of space all too easily. Western obviously missed Diamanti big time. If he's available next time they will be much tougher.

Nix now have a tough draw of what looks like 5 of next 6 games away?? Top 6 remains a long shot. But happy enough watching young Kiwis like Waine, and now Sutton get minutes. And to grab a late win is always cool. Still think Mcgarry unlucky to be benched.

This game was very similar to many games this season, honestly - the only difference being that we eventually capitalised on dominance this time. We're still extremely loose at the back, particularly on set pieces.

These games are lotteries, neither team looked solid.

Also re: McGarry, he still looks more like a winger than a FB to me. Can't defend to save himself, but great going forward - would prefer to see him in Sotirio's role.

Sutton sat deeper and thus looked a bit more solid, but is clearly a midfielder playing out of position too.

My thought was that WPX without Taylor and/or Hemed is just about marginally better than WU without Diamante.

valeo

Also re: McGarry, he still looks more like a winger than a FB to me. Can't defend to save himself, but great going forward - would prefer to see him in Sotirio's role.

Sutton sat deeper and thus looked a bit more solid, but is clearly a midfielder playing out of position too.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/a-league/124809692/who-are-you-sam-sutton-introduces-himself-to-aleague-by-setting-up-winner

Nice little story. Sutton certainly stayed deeper than Mcgarry most of the game. Maybe the Otagoite had been playing against Talay's instructions, in prior games, getting too far forward.

Colvinator

 Fantastic watch that game.

Credit to Talay for keeping the starting XI out there until 90 mins and it coming through. We were definitely dominating last 20 mins, great for it to pay off.

Sutton man of the match, great performance on starting debut, was really impressed with his passing right from the first minute. Great pass into box for second goal, and that was an awesome cross for final goal. 

Sutton's starting debut was last season after the covid break

It was interesting to hear Bozza and Archie Thompson saying (late in the game) that WPX have no big problems with scoring goals, it is leaking them in that is seen as a bigger issue.
If that is the case, what about our inability to break down a quality team like the Macarthur Rams that actually proved to be our undoing.  
Western United was pretty average in defence, but we did not convert several really good chances, Ben Waine being one of them (an open goal) and Davila (a harder one, from the edge of the box, but without any pressure on him).

Mainland FC

It was interesting to hear Bozza and Archie Thompson saying (late in the game) that WPX have no big problems with scoring goals, it is leaking them in that is seen as a bigger issue.
If that is the case, what about our inability to break down a quality team like the Macarthur Rams that actually proved to be our undoing.  
Western United was pretty average in defence, but we did not convert several really good chances, Ben Waine being one of them (an open goal) and Davila (a harder one, from the edge of the box, but without any pressure on him).

The return of Hemed, Piscopo & Taylor, if they ever all get on altogether - will help solve issues at both ends of the park.

But making the top 6, still a long shot. Pity as with all the Aussie teams likely to be more affected by Socceroos/Olyroos callups in June, Nix might give playoffs a bit of a shake.

Payne still feeling the effects of hangover from the golf cart ride.

Overall, a fantastic game. Both sides gave it their all. Unarguably, Davila was our best/dangerous player in the second half. Ball, Devlin, Lewis follow suite. Now, it's about building and gaining momentum. Academy products were stupendous. Hopefully, Tayls and Hemed are good to go from the next game. 

coochiee

Mainland FC

It was interesting to hear Bozza and Archie Thompson saying (late in the game) that WPX have no big problems with scoring goals, it is leaking them in that is seen as a bigger issue.
If that is the case, what about our inability to break down a quality team like the Macarthur Rams that actually proved to be our undoing.  
Western United was pretty average in defence, but we did not convert several really good chances, Ben Waine being one of them (an open goal) and Davila (a harder one, from the edge of the box, but without any pressure on him).

The return of Hemed, Piscopo & Taylor, if they ever all get on altogether - will help solve issues at both ends of the park.

But making the top 6, still a long shot. Pity as with all the Aussie teams likely to be more affected by Socceroos/Olyroos callups in June, Nix might give playoffs a bit of a shake.

Are Devlin and Piscopo likely to be called up?

Mainland FC

It was interesting to hear Bozza and Archie Thompson saying (late in the game) that WPX have no big problems with scoring goals, it is leaking them in that is seen as a bigger issue.
If that is the case, what about our inability to break down a quality team like the Macarthur Rams that actually proved to be our undoing.  
Western United was pretty average in defence, but we did not convert several really good chances, Ben Waine being one of them (an open goal) and Davila (a harder one, from the edge of the box, but without any pressure on him).

I think they were referring to how recently have lost 3-2 & 4-3. We're 3rd equal in league for most goals scored, and 3rd in most goals let in. Anything like that is a generalisation, but after not scoring much early in the season, generally we have been scoring quite a bit, and letting in a fair bit. 

I'm too lazy to go back and confirm this but I'd say something around 20% of the goals we've conceded have come from poorly defended setpieces, mainly corners. The defence hasn't been great all season anyway but those goals are a crucial reason why we are way off the pace instead of on the edge of the top 6 (eg, 3 points dropped against MV).

coochiee

Mainland FC

It was interesting to hear Bozza and Archie Thompson saying (late in the game) that WPX have no big problems with scoring goals, it is leaking them in that is seen as a bigger issue.
If that is the case, what about our inability to break down a quality team like the Macarthur Rams that actually proved to be our undoing.  
Western United was pretty average in defence, but we did not convert several really good chances, Ben Waine being one of them (an open goal) and Davila (a harder one, from the edge of the box, but without any pressure on him).

The return of Hemed, Piscopo & Taylor, if they ever all get on altogether - will help solve issues at both ends of the park.

But making the top 6, still a long shot. Pity as with all the Aussie teams likely to be more affected by Socceroos/Olyroos callups in June, Nix might give playoffs a bit of a shake.

Would Aussie teams be more affected than us? Even just Devlin and Piscopo going would be a big loss for us. Is Laws any chance of a call up?

Outpost

I'm too lazy to go back and confirm this but I'd say something around 20% of the goals we've conceded have come from poorly defended setpieces, mainly corners. The defence hasn't been great all season anyway but those goals are a crucial reason why we are way off the pace instead of on the edge of the top 6 (eg, 3 points dropped against MV).

If you deducted all the set piece goals we have conceded, going right back to game 1,  Bratans free kick. I'm sure we would comfortably be in the top 6.

Nelfoos

coochiee

Mainland FC

It was interesting to hear Bozza and Archie Thompson saying (late in the game) that WPX have no big problems with scoring goals, it is leaking them in that is seen as a bigger issue.
If that is the case, what about our inability to break down a quality team like the Macarthur Rams that actually proved to be our undoing.  
Western United was pretty average in defence, but we did not convert several really good chances, Ben Waine being one of them (an open goal) and Davila (a harder one, from the edge of the box, but without any pressure on him).

The return of Hemed, Piscopo & Taylor, if they ever all get on altogether - will help solve issues at both ends of the park.

But making the top 6, still a long shot. Pity as with all the Aussie teams likely to be more affected by Socceroos/Olyroos callups in June, Nix might give playoffs a bit of a shake.

Would Aussie teams be more affected than us? Even just Devlin and Piscopo going would be a big loss for us. Is Laws any chance of a call up?

One Aussie journo's take on a potential 18 man Olyroos squad for Tokyo (article from March). 10 A League players. None from the Nix.

Devlin, Laws & Piscopo all listed as contenders. Obviously a lot of those contenders will be called up for that Olyroos Euro (France?) tourney in June, during the A League playoffs.

Quick glance of the Contenders list and WSW look likely to be the worst affected.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/socceroos/socceroos-news-2021-football-olympic-squad-olyroos-graham-arnold-brenton-speed-interview/news-story/0ea198b4d541fdfb02503dba69b5d88a

Potential Olyroos squad with no overage players:
Goalkeepers: Tom Glover (Melbourne City), Daniel Margush (Western Sydney

Wanderers)
Defenders: Con Ouzounidis (Everton), Harry Souttar (Stoke City), Kye Rowles
(Central Coast Mariners), Tass Mourdoukoutas (Western Sydney Wanderers),
Tommy Deng (Urawa Reds), Alex Gersbach (AGF).
Midfielders: Calem Nieuwenhof (Sydney FC), Riley McGree (Birmingham 
City), Denis Genreau (Macarthur FC), Keanu Baccus (Western Sydney
Wanderers), Tyrese Francois (Fulham).
Forwards: Nick D’Agostino (Perth Glory), Caleb Watts (Southampton), Daniel

Arzani (AGF), Mohammed Toure (Adelaide United), Dylan Wenzel-Halls (Brisbane Roar).

And this is another journo's Socceroos squad from May last year. No many A League players, but Arnold is taking a large 34 player squad to the AFC qualifiers in June. So will be some A League presence.

 

So there it is, the 23 man squad that the readers of the Roar feel Graham Arnold should use to earn the Socceroos a place in Qatar.

Full Squad
Mathew Ryan, Mitch Langerak, Danny Vukovic, Trent Sainsbury, Josh Risdon, Thomas Deng, Aziz Behich, Rhyan Grant, Harry Souttar, Aaron Mooy, Jackson Irvine, Tom Rogic, Massimo Luongo, James Jeggo, Ajdin Hrustic, Mustafa Amini, Riley McGree, Adam Taggart, Mathew Leckie, Awer Mabil, Martin Boyle, Daniel Arzani, Jamie Maclaren.

Notable omissions
Andrew Redmayne, Bailey Wright, Alex Gersbach, Jason Davidson, Kenneth Dougal, James Troisi, Terry Antonis, Brandon Borrello, Robbie Kruse, Apostolos Giannou, Chris Ikonomidis, Tomi Juric. 

coochiee

Nelfoos

coochiee

Mainland FC

It was interesting to hear Bozza and Archie Thompson saying (late in the game) that WPX have no big problems with scoring goals, it is leaking them in that is seen as a bigger issue.
If that is the case, what about our inability to break down a quality team like the Macarthur Rams that actually proved to be our undoing.  
Western United was pretty average in defence, but we did not convert several really good chances, Ben Waine being one of them (an open goal) and Davila (a harder one, from the edge of the box, but without any pressure on him).

The return of Hemed, Piscopo & Taylor, if they ever all get on altogether - will help solve issues at both ends of the park.

But making the top 6, still a long shot. Pity as with all the Aussie teams likely to be more affected by Socceroos/Olyroos callups in June, Nix might give playoffs a bit of a shake.

Would Aussie teams be more affected than us? Even just Devlin and Piscopo going would be a big loss for us. Is Laws any chance of a call up?

One Aussie journo's take on a potential 18 man Olyroos squad for Tokyo (article from March). 10 A League players. None from the Nix.

Devlin, Laws & Piscopo all listed as contenders. Obviously a lot of those contenders will be called up for that Olyroos Euro (France?) tourney in June, during the A League playoffs.

Quick glance WSW look likely to be the worst affected.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/socceroos/socceroos-news-2021-football-olympic-squad-olyroos-graham-arnold-brenton-speed-interview/news-story/0ea198b4d541fdfb02503dba69b5d88a

Potential Olyroos squad with no overage players:
Goalkeepers: Tom Glover (Melbourne City), Daniel Margush (Western Sydney

Wanderers)
Defenders: Con Ouzounidis (Everton), Harry Souttar (Stoke City), Kye Rowles
(Central Coast Mariners), Tass Mourdoukoutas (Western Sydney Wanderers),
Tommy Deng (Urawa Reds), Alex Gersbach (AGF).
Midfielders: Calem Nieuwenhof (Sydney FC), Riley McGree (Birmingham 
City), Denis Genreau (Macarthur FC), Keanu Baccus (Western Sydney
Wanderers), Tyrese Francois (Fulham).
Forwards: Nick D’Agostino (Perth Glory), Caleb Watts (Southampton), Daniel

Arzani (AGF), Mohammed Toure (Adelaide United), Dylan Wenzel-Halls (Brisbane Roar).

Piscipo is surely in the Tokyo squad.  Better then a number of players on that list.  One eyed Aussie journos overlooking the Nix I think.