Round five A-League snapshot
SNAPSHOT FROM ROUND FIVE OF THE A-LEAGUE
THEY SAID IT: "Why do you think it wasn't pretty? Is that because Arnie stifles games? (Am I) surprised? No. Whether the supporters like it? You'll have to ask the Sydney FC supporters that." - Brisbane Roar coach John Aloisi aimed both barrels at his opposite number, Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold, after Friday night's anti-climax at Allianz Stadium.
STAT THAT MATTERS: The Central Coast Mariners sure love to attack. They had a crazy 19 shots on goal against Wellington but only got one past Phoenix goalkeeper Glen Moss in a frenetic 1-1 draw.
MAN OF THE ROUND: Mitch Nichols' late strike sealed a win in Newcastle for Western Sydney, and it comes on the back of several strong performances from the one-time fringe Socceroo. Nichols was at the heart of everything the Wanderers did in attack and is in his best form since flourishing under Ange Postecoglou at Melbourne Victory nearly two years ago.
SAFEST HANDS: He couldn't hold them out all night but Melbourne City's veteran gloveman Thomas Sorensen made a string of incredible saves to keep Adelaide United at bay for more than an hour on Thursday. Sorensen might be 39 but on this evidence, he can still swing with the best of them.
CONTROVERSY CORNER: Was this the most obvious square-up in A-League history? Coming minutes after the linesman appeared to change his mind to award Jets winger Enver Alivodic the opening goal, it certainly felt that way. Newcastle coach Scott Miller thought the referee was calling for simulation when Western Sydney striker Brendon Santalab went to ground in the penalty area after what appeared a feathered touch from Jets striker Milos Trifunovic. Instead, he called for a spot kick, and Andreu scored to set the Wanderers on their way to a 2-1 comeback win.
UNDER PRESSURE: Something's not quite right at Adelaide United and coach Guillermo Amor is facing increasing scrutiny because of it. Still yet to win under his watch, the Reds at least found the back of the net without the aid of the opposition for the first time this season - but they conceded four goals at home to Melbourne City, and that's not good enough.
