The Western Sydney Wanderers brought their A-game to CommBank Stadium on December 22, 2024, defeating the Wellington Phoenix 4-1 and breaking through to the top six of the A-League standings. Coach Alen Stajcic's side has now put together three unbeaten matches, showcasing their improvement after a slow start to the season.
The match kicked off to a dramatic start when Wanderers captain Brandon Borello delivered an early cross, capitalizing on Wellington defender Isaac Hughes’ slip. Within the first minute, Zac Sapsford netted the first goal of the game, setting the tone for what would become a challenging outing for the Phoenix.
Just nine minutes later, the Wanderers doubled their lead. A defensive misstep from Wellington allowed Nicolas Milanovic to steal the ball, connecting with Borello, who selflessly passed to former Phoenix player Bozhidar Kraev. Kraev made no mistake, slotting the ball home against his old club, leaving Wellington scrambling.
Despite their early struggles, the Phoenix regrouped after halftime, exhibiting more determination and enterprise. Their efforts culminated when Hideki Ishige scored with an audacious bicycle kick, sending the ball high and out of reach for Wanderers goalkeeper. This moment ignited hopes of a comeback for the Phoenix, who found themselves down only 2-1.
But the Wanderers responded decisively to quell any thoughts of revival from their opponents. Marcus Antonsson scored the Wanderers' third goal, tapping the ball past the Wellington defense after receiving setup play from his teammates. Scoring again, they quickly reassured their dominance on the pitch.
Finally, the match concluded with flair as Dylan Scicluna delivered the final blow, sending the ball soaring from outside the area right to the top corner of the net during stoppage time. This strike not only sealed the victory but also marked Scicluna's first A-League goal, showcased with gusto.
After the match, Wanderers coach Alen Stajcic expressed his satisfaction with the performance, stating, "I’m obviously very happy with the result. Over the past six or seven weeks, we’ve seen elements of our game sort of come together." He acknowledged, though, the necessity for continuous improvement, saying, "Today I thought it was probably the most complete it’s been . . . but still, for me, there’s plenty of areas to improve on." Stajcic emphasized the importance of maturity and evolution for the team to reach their desired level of competitiveness.
Conversely, Wellington's troubles are now more apparent, having lost three consecutive matches. Their performance against the Wanderers has sparked conversations about the team's resilience moving forward. Despite the setback, there's hope within the Phoenix ranks as they aim to bounce back. After Ishige's spectacular goal, the team showed glimpses of their potential.
This match not only serves as a tremendous boost for the Wanderers but also raises questions for the Phoenix, who must address their defensive frailties and regain form as they head through the season. The Wanderers have clearly turned the tide after their rocky start and aim to build on this momentum, heartened by the depth of talent, willingness to collaborate, and sheer ambition showcased on the field.
With the A-League heating up, both teams will look to refine their performances as they keep their eyes on the ladder. The Wanderers, now firmly seated within the top six, are hungry for more victories, eager to maintain their strong showing, whereas the Phoenix need to regroup and restore their fighting spirit.
Match summarized: Western Sydney Wanderers 4, Wellington Phoenix 1. The Wanderers have made their mark and are ready to challenge for higher placements as the A-League progresses. The question now is whether the Phoenix can respond to this latest test and find their way back to winning form.
