Wellington Phoenix Men

vs Victory Wed 9:30pm SS1

482 replies · 3,294 views
over 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
I was pleased with last night's performance - I thought we were the better team for much of the game. For a change to normal "road form" we started well and aside from a 15 minute patch later in the first half I thought we dominated much of the game. In saying that we didn't create many clear cut chances.
 
I think our first four games this season were average to poor but last week against Sydney we improved and we went up another gear last night.
 
My highlights;
 
North & Durante - they looked like they had never stopped playing together - they will be a very formidable CB combination and North looks class on the ball - as does Dura.
 
Ward - his first instinct is to attack - he has the skill, confidence and speed to beat players and did so repeatedly last night - he also has an eye for the killer ball. They won't come off every time but high risk / high reward.
 
Vuko - great save !
 
Manny - said it before, say it again - we are a different and much better team with Manny in front of the back four.
 
My not so highlights;
 
Sigmund - commitment second to none but simply too slow for a WB - got done for pace at least twice. If the CBs can't trust the WB to deal with his player they will get pulled out of position and the system breaks down. Siggy will be fine against average paced players but against a winger with gas then we need to play Hearfield. I think Hearfield also offer a lot more going forward.
 
Brown - 90% of the time he plays the ball backwards and costs the team forward momentum - it's like someone yanked the handbrake on when you give him the ball. To be fair I guess he does balance Ward's far more attacking intent.
 
Chances - I'm not convinced our current 4-3-3 is going to create the chances. Maybe give 4-4-2 a shot.
 
Crosses - why are we so sh*t at crosses ?
 
Dispite the not so highlights I think we will get better and better - particularly if Ifill and Leo can fire.
 
Plenty to be happy and excited about.
 
Whitby boy2010-09-16 19:04:52
He dribbles a lot and the opposition dont like it - you can see it all over their faces. (Ron Atkinson)
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over 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
valeo wrote:
Turfmoore wrote:
OK back from pub-game-pub.
Brill home/away banter at stadium. Sizable Phoenix fan base that took the "North End" on. "they're good, you're sh*t" - hilarious.

And now for Sunday. "what's it like to lose at home" will be the chant.

A great day-out, and plenty of good signs.
 
Ah - think I was a couple of rows behind you. Took us until the 2nd half to get going really - same as the team.
 
Just a warm up for Sunday!

I must have been in between you too then, i was in row behind Turf, guessing that was you, great voice by you sir! Enjoyed the game and the banter. "your just a suburb of syyydney"

Looking for more on sunday though if i am to take the day off work!

More of this... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMCceNkfjjY&NR=1

And some goals and a win please!

LJ19822010-09-16 18:24:47
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over 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
[QUOTE=dairyflat]

Don't know what it is but the last two matches, whilst not classics, have really worked for me.

[/QUOTE
 
WHile they have not been playing well, we have still taken four points from last years winner and runner up]
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