ROUND 14 OF A-LEAGUE MEN AT A GLANCE:-
THEY SAID IT: "We probably could've been a lot more cleaner in that front third; always the wrong option tonight." - Despite claiming a 1-0 victory over Adelaide United, Melbourne City coach Aurelio Vidmar came away wanting more.
MAN OF THE WEEK: After seven weeks sidelined with injury, it took powerhouse Polish striker Oskar Zawada just 14 minutes to score the match-winning goal in Wellington's 2-1 victory over Newcastle Jets. Zawada came off the bench in the 73rd minute for the first time since December because of injury.
TALKING POINT: Sydney coach Ufuk Talay accused VAR of "killing" the Big Blue clash with Melbourne Victory after forward Patrick Wood was sent off. Contesting a high ball against left-back Adama Traore, Wood stuck up a leg to control the ball as Traore did similar. A slight nudge from behind meant Wood's studs landed on Traore's raised shins. After being summoned to review the collision on the pitchside monitor, referee Adam Kersey showed Wood a straight red. Matildas captain Sam Kerr voiced her opposition to the decision online, while Wood and Talay were both visibly furious.
STAT ATTACK: Central Coast have become the third club in the league's history to extend their unbeaten streak to 10 games. After a horror start to their title defence, Mark Jackson's side has taken the most points from their last six games (16) in the competition.
BEAT THAT: Colombian winger Angel Torres produced a moment of brilliance in the 90th minute to score and put the result (2-0) for the Mariners against Brisbane beyond doubt.
UNDER PRESSURE: A 1-0 defeat to Western Sydney Wanderers has condemned Western United to their fourth loss in five games. Even with the Wanderers on the backfoot in the final 25 minutes after losing fullback Aidan Simmons for a crunching tackle on Kane Vidmar, John Aloisi's men could not break the game open. The embattled Victorian side has managed just two wins and one draw against 10 losses.
UP NEXT: Wellington Phoenix will aim to cement their hold on top spot when they take on ninth-placed Brisbane Roar on Friday, before strugglers Perth host Melbourne City. Western United will be looking for the elusive victory when they take on Sydney on Saturday while Newcastle play second-placed Melbourne Victory and Adelaide face-off with Central Coast. Macarthur remain at home to go toe-to-toe with local rivals Western Sydney on Sunday.
