3 minute read
A look at the main talking points from round 27 of the A-League.
A-LEAGUE SNAPSHOT FOR ROUND 27
* THEY SAID IT: "It would have been ridiculous of me to start my best XI tonight. Ridiculous, knowing we had to fly eight hours and do it again." - Phoenix coach Mark Rudan defends his decision to play a second-string side following the 5-0 loss to Perth Glory.
* MAN OF THE ROUND: Diego Castro. The Perth Glory skipper scored a goal and had a hand in the four others in his team's 5-0 win over Wellington. He was simply untouchable at times.
* STAT ATTACK: Brisbane's tally of 71 league goals conceded is the most ever, 'beating' the previous mark of 70 set by the Mariners 2015/16. The Mariners have leaked 70 goals again this season.
* TALKING POINT: The AFL implemented a pre-finals bye in reaction to coaches resting star players on the eve of the finals. The A-League might have to come up a policy of their own after Phoenix coach Mark Rudan deliberately fielded a second-string side against Perth Glory. Glory won the match 5-0, and Rudan defiantly declared after the match that he got everything he needed out of it.
*UNDER PRESSURE: Melbourne Victory. The defending champions have no wiggle room for error after missing out on a prized top-two berth. They'll need to win three straight games to defend their crown, and it begins on Friday night when they host Wellington Phoenix in an elimination final.
* WHAT'S NEXT: Melbourne Victory will host Wellington Phoenix in an elimination final at AAMI Park on Friday night. Adelaide United will host Melbourne City on Sunday in the other elimination final. Premiers Plate winners Perth Glory and Sydney FC earn the week off before hosting a semi-final in round two of the finals series. As for Central Coast, Brisbane Roar, Western Sydney, and Newcastle - it's time for Mad Monday and plenty of reflection after their failed campaigns.
