Adelaide United suffered a 1-0 defeat to Melbourne City at Coopers Stadium on Saturday.
It was a game of two halves as the Reds controlled much of the first ’45 before City asserted themselves more after the interval.
Adelaide fought hard without really troubling City’s goal and it was Rhianna Pollicina who netted the decisive goal in the 66th minute.
The result is a dent to Adelaide’s top-four aspirations and will be hoping to bounce back next weekend against Wellington Phoenix.
WHAT WENT RIGHT. WHAT WENT WRONG.
What went right: Emily Condon influential
By Emily Condon’s lofty standards, she had a quiet game last weekend against Canberra United. However, today the creative midfielder was a class above, especially in the first-half. The 23-year-old was brilliant in possession and consistently was able to turn her opponents inside and out with her exceptional technical ability. She always looked to feed the runners in behind with elevated through balls and demonstrated great attacking intent. If she continues this form she should be in contention for another Matildas call-up in the not too distant future. However, Condon would be wanting that chance back in the second-half after being one-on-one with the goalkeeper and shooting straight at Melissa Barbieri.
What went wrong: Conceded soft goal
Adelaide has unfortunately had the propensity of conceding soft goals throughout this season. And it was their Achilles heel on Saturday afternoon as Rhianna Pollicina was allowed to slalom her way into the box and evade three challenges before sliding her finish under Annalee Grove.
What went right: First-half
To an extent at least. In the first-half the Reds largely dominated and were on top for almost the entire opening 25 minutes. Their build-up play was encouraging with Nano Sasaki along with Condon looking to get the ball into Chelsie Dawber and Fiona Worts. However, it was the subsequent phase where they just could not muster opportunities from open play.
What went wrong: Indecisiveness in attacking third
For really the first time this season, Adelaide struggled to consistently threaten the opposition’s goal. Joe Mullen touched on it in a post-match interview, saying his side were unable to break City’s defensive line. When the Reds did venture into promising positions often they lacked that final pass and the attack would abate. It was a far cry from the clinical showing last weekend against Canberra where virtually every time United went forward they scored.
Match details:
Saturday, 15 January
Liberty A-League 2021/22 – Matchweek 7
Adelaide United 0
Melbourne City 1 (Pollicina 66’)
Venue: Coopers Stadium
