vs Sydney FC, 6th Oct 7.30pm

I stand by that, the overall quality wasn't great - doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it!  Sydney couldn't string more than 2 passes together and didn't test our keeper at all in the match, constantly gave the ball away and looked like they had no idea at all.  A can't think of a single passage of play where they threatened us.  We were a bit better but we'll  play much better than that as the season goes on.

When he got Greenacre as assistant coach that's when.

be good to read the sydney morning herald 2m

Craig Foster already in with his dose of Euro snobbery

Foster shite 

His intro

Sorry JD but all those who i talked to felt that was probably the most encouraging start to a season we have had.Maybe you need to stop looking at the negatives and for once focus on the MANY positives.

Wot a cracker on debut.  

 Fenton is some kinda superman.

Stein showing fantastic composure.

But most importantly Manny bossed the midfield and nabbed two assists for his efforts.

Totori was exciting to watch, but get the feeling he isn't quite up to the control level. He runs like a madman though, props.

If a 19yo import from Spain played a game like Fenton's today he'd have messed himself.  Can't believe more Australians don't call him on what a sanctimonious cunt he is.

Foster is becoming a caricature - this number 10, 6, 8 business is twattery pure and simple

Am I the only one that noticed that the phoenix defensive corners were rather poor... the defence allowed the ball to drop to nobody 2-3 times

Dude read what I have written, I'm talking about the game as a whole.

I think that was caused by the quality of Del Piero's dead ball delivery.  

The one thing Foster wouldn't even comment on if you paid him and about the only time ADP truly looked world class.

Fenton, you're a fucking legend. I loved that game hard.

LOL, nice to hear them pronounce Stein's name "Wee-see-jems". 

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/7779695/Wellington-Phoenix-beat-Sydney-FC-2-0/  

"The three points were extremely valuable given the Phoenix now travel to Melbourne to play the Heart on Sunday without their seven internationals.

The Heart looked good in a 2-1 win over the Victory in the Melbourne derby on Friday but even understrength, the Phoenix should give them a decent run for their money.

Academy goalkeeper Scott Basalaj is set to get a start between the sticks, with Luke Rowe at left back.

There will also be increased opportunities for young attacking players Tyler Boyd and Ricardo Clarke, who came off the bench to make their debuts tonight."

I'm actually kind of looking forward to seeing the young guys - not going to go in expecting any kind of result, should be no real pressure for them after the win today.

From the Herald, nice piece by Daniel Richardson

Fenton Makes Dream Debut

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/soccer-football/news/article.cfm?c_id=86&objectid=10838866

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/a-league/del-piero-a-class-above-disjointed-teammates-20121006-2767q.html
Sydney perspective that's a bit fairer than Foster ridiculousness.

@ bigtobz

Thanks for that.  As I'm in the UK some links don't work like they do elsewhere (esp. on the NHS servers  :-)  )

Get Phucked Kuntz, we'll have ya in Dec.

Lol So a win in Syd also on the cards, can't wait!!!!

Anyone got YouTube highlights which will work in Europe and on Apple products?

http://www.3news.co.nz/VIDEO-Phoenix-on-fire-against-Sydney-FC-A-League-2012/tabid/317/articleID/271716/Default.aspx

 I watched this game twice before deciding to post

• If ADP had the name 'John Smith' on the back of his shirt, he would have not even have got a mention. The people that are gushing over him really didn't watch the game. He had maybe a couple of nice touches but maybe just a couple. I would not have even called him an influence on the game, anything that he did memorable or that he was even worth the price of admission. Objectively, he was strangled of ball but what he got, he didn't do anything were you would go 'yup he's worth his pay cheque or made his team better'. The only way I knew it was him was because of the solid black boots and nothing else.
  
• If Necevski starts next week, I'll eat my hat. For a keeper with that much experience, you either write that off as an out-lier for a performance or you drop him - it was that poor.
• Paston was never tested which is a positive sign. I think I recall 1 scramble but there was no shot that was ever going in that needed to be saved and he was not exposed at all. To add to that, Sigmund and Durante were never in a position where they needed to take evasive action because of the following
• Muscat and Smith: These two complimented each other magnificently. They did nothing flashy. Muscat broke up the attack and the gave the ball off and Smith when he got it, made the right simple pass each and every time. Nothing flashy. They were content to let others have the nice little touches. They just did their job extremely effectively with great efficiency. I think considering our midfield has always been an interesting topic of who to play/who not to play, these two have started the season with a 'now force me out' statement. I don't recall either of them being caught in possession or out of position. I wont be too fussed if Sanchez doesn't play again if these two play like this all year.
  
• Up front, we had some nice interplay. Huysegems might take some critique for his style vs our style but there is no mistaking with his touches - he is thinking 3 plays ahead and always knows where his teams mates are. Positionally aware and tidy feet. The first thought I had when he slotted it was 'that would not have gone in last year'. It is first game and its easy to get a head of ourselves (next point re:Fenton) but there is enough there to suggest that we should be genuinely excited. Either that or Sydney really were that shit. The combinations will flow better between the front lot with a couple more games but it looks very promising.
• I was quite impressed with our front guys in pressuring Sydney defense when we did not have the ball and I think this looked better from our front guys than any other time I have watched. They got a lot of ball back and this just helped the defensive line from being exposed. I hope they keep doing this rather than choosing to sit off like other teams do. After all, other teams have done it to us for years so its about time we started doing it.
  
• Fenton for a young guy making his debut and was a fan last year, played like he had been in that team for a while. There was no shyness of what he should do (some young players are scared to take options because of their position in the team). I thought he moved very well with the ball at pace and as much as Ricki made the comparison to Kosta and Rojas, I think this lad moves a little differently. I'm not sure I can describe what I mean. He is not a trick footed as Rojas as I think Rojas likes to wait for the defensive mistake before he takes his man - Fenton just ran at them and had no problems cutting back or going around the outside. As JD mentioned, he is still young making his debut but it would appear he has been consistent in all his games and simply produced today what he has done all preseason. He'll have a some poor moments but I think on the whole, if we manage him correctly, we've got a good little footballer on our hands. The only criticism I have is at times when Lochhead was making his run/overlap, they were literally right beside each other and negated the effect of trying to create the overlap or draw the defense. Not sure whom is to blame with that one. The goal was great reward for a 40 yard sprint considering he was exactly the same distance from goal as Manny when Sydney coughed it up at half way. Combined with the finish makes this a definite contender for goal of the year this early.
  
• Pace. We had pace to burn and we transitioned really quickly. This team play a lot quicker than last years team
• If Ifill never played another game for the Phoenix, I would not be as worried if you had said that to me this time last year. We've got enough good players where there is some genuine competition and I think more importantly, manage Ifill where we get the best from him. He is not a 90min player anymore I believe but I think he can be used to better effect to get the maximum from him. Whether thats from the bench or starting is up to Ricki. Still class though and I hope he is played in a manner that enhances his value to the team and effect on the game. He is not the workhorse Greenacre was nor should we expect him to be and thats a combination of age, fitness and injuries.
• The angst of whether Ricki should have forced Greenacre into retirement has gone quiet. I do not believe if he was in the playing squad, he would have added value today. No disrespect to him because he served us well but I prefer to salute what he did for us and remember it for what it was. For that reason alone, I think Ricki should get some kudos for showing some of that managerial nous that the knockers say he has not got.
  
• I'll begrudgingly admit that Totori was better than my expectation. I think when teams figure out that he has no physicality, they'll lump him off the ball early in the game ala Felipe and he'll lose his effectiveness. He was still guilty of some wrong options but I think there was more on the right side of the ledger than the negative. I suspect he will do a role reversal with Ifil which would be my preference.
• Terry McFlynn really is a sheet carnt.
  

We've assembled a decent team I think. We did to Sydney what the Wildcats did to the Breakers last night. Based on one game, this is either

1. an assured solid performance that we should genuinely have some optimism around for the season and the playoffs or
   
2. Sydney really were sheet carnts and should be worried if this is how they are going to play this year or
   
3. an anomaly of a game that nothing can really be taken from it.
   

 Nice post Jeff, I'd agree with that.

Re Fenton, he is less skitterish dribbling than Kosta and more solid on the ball than Marco (that's on one look LOL)

Nice piece Jeff Vader they should publish that in the DomPost its a damn sight better than some of their so could jurnos can do.

 An Italian Perspective:

http://translate.google.it/translate?hl=it&sl=it&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gazzetta.it%2FCalcio_Estero%2FPrimo_Piano%2F06-10-2012%2Fdel-piero-australia-subito-amara-sydney-sconfitto-wellington-912823077822.shtml

grrrr linky thing struggling just cut and paste it. Great description of the header

 What a start. What a game. Totally different team look to last year, far more pace- just need a little work on accuracy and finish. Jeff Vader- thanks for a very good analysis.

Junior 82- you momentarily lost the faith, but I hope it's restored. Leave the predictions to the old timer- I said we'd win (although I never expected so handsomely!).

Like I said before once or twice;

Remember,

We are the Mighty Phoenix! We can beat Anyone!

(even with a ridiculous giant chicken).

So happy with the win, I really enjoyed that game.  Is this the 5th win in a row against Sydney?   Nothing can ruin this day.

Fenton impressed. Less likely to give away the ball than Rojas and looked solid. 

Steiny Heinekens will just get better, I can't wait!!!

Muscat MOM, Got stuck in to everyone and the two goals were all his work. 

Sydney - awful, but the only way to judge is when we go there

Hmm....Greenie in for Brockie would have been interesting for sure...there was no one playing back to goal at any point.

That was really no test. Think we will be in for a much sterner examination in the midfield and down Leo's flank.

Totori looks like a work in progress. Has to not go down as easily and perhaps look up a bit more, but there's no doubt that he has something to offer. Great shot, and that was really patient build up work from 3 players. Also was inconsistent on defence, but hopefully will improve after a few games at this level.

Fenton was awesome. Seemed to be the most composed player on the ball. Fantastic run and finish for the goal.

Would Brockie be better coming from wider perhaps?

Also not really convinced Stein is a target man or that great in the air- he seemed much happier with the ball on the deck. When he put the header over and then pleaded for a corner made it seem kinda obvious. Great finish, I thought he'd taken it too wide with his first touch.

So many places goals could come from which is a positive sign: Brockie, Huysegems, Totori, Fenton, Ifill, Boyd, Clarke, Sigmund, Dura, Manny...

Let's hope it still seems that way after a few more weeks.

Promising start, but until we've played against a more cohesive team we won't really know where we stand.

Del Piero might have had a quiet night on the pitch but he showed his class after the game with these comments: