Just what did we learn from week five of the A-League?
WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT?
The kings of Asia are second from bottom after losing its opening three games of the season and were brought crashing back to earth against Oceania’s finest, Wellington Phoenix.
There’s no doubt the Wanderers’ schedule has had a huge effect on their current A-League woes, but it’s only going to get worse with the FIFA Club World Cup on the horizon.
Good luck, Popa.
PERTH CONTINUE TO MARCH ON
Brisbane bottom, Perth on top.
If you’d have picked it prior to the season beginning you’re a genius, but chances are there would not have been a person in the whole universe who would have.
Nebojsa Marinkovic’s stunning free kick sent the Glory to the summit of the A-League table, and it’s been no fluke.
If the Glory can continue it’s decent away form, they must surely be in with a shot of winning the title.
OK, NOW BRISBANE ARE IN BIT OF STRIFE
This column has so far refused to admit the Roar are in a crisis.
We’ve changed our minds.
Brisbane look a shadow of the team that has largely dominated the past four seasons, and they don’t look like turning their poor form around any time soon.
The on-field verbal altercation between Shane Stefanutto and goalkeeper Jamie Young wasn’t a good look, and it means coach Mike Mulvey will have to spend another week denying he has a divided dressing room.
IT’S GOING TO BE A LONG YEAR FOR THE MARINERS
A crowd of just 6,391 showed up to Central Coast Stadium, and they’d be disappointed they did.
The Mariners went down 1-0 to Perth in what was a dull game (to put it nicely) and there’s no doubt Phil Moss’s side have issues.
They have a chance to give to Mariners faithful something to cheer about in the FFA Cup semi-final on Wednesday night, though.
NEWCASTLE’S PITCH WOES
After being forced to play its first four matches away from home, Newcastle returned to Hunter Stadium and hosted the Melbourne Victory on what was a newly-laid playing surface.
You’d think it would be in prime condition, but it was patchy and sandy – a big worry with the Asian Cup just around the corner.