What went right, what went wrong vs Newcastle Jets

Adelaide United secured another win in dramatic circumstances after beating Newcastle Jets 2-1 at Coopers Stadium on Sunday night.

Mohamed Toure scored the winning goal for the second straight game as he managed to get his studs to Craig Goodwin’s exceptional delivery on 88 minutes.

George Blackwood had given the hosts the advantage inside three minutes from Goodwin’s assist as they controlled the majority of the first-half.

It was a different story after half-time with the United having to withstand a barrage of Jets pressure and eventually a goal arrived through Angus Thurgate.

WHAT WENT RIGHT. WHAT WENT WRONG.

What went right: Fast start gives Reds the ascendancy

It took just three minutes for Adelaide to open the scoring. Traditionally slow starters this season, the Reds raced out of the blocks and set the tone early. Craig Goodwin received a long ball from Ryan Kitto and while his chance to shoot diminished he kept his composure and squared a pass to George Blackwood, on hand for a simple tap-in. Blackwood then paid tribute to Shane Warne with a bowling celebration, imitating the legendary spinner’s iconic action.

What went right: Three wins in a row

For the first time this season Adelaide United has recorded three successive wins. It was a far from convincing display with the Jets squandering plenty of chances. Adelaide were on the back foot for extended periods of the second-half, but withstood enough of the pressure despite still conceding. As the old adage goes it is better to have points on the board than games in hand and the triumph lifts United into third place on 27 points.

What went wrong: Conceded after a barrage of pressure

Adelaide’s resistance was finally breached when Thurgate equalised in the 65th minute. It was a goal no less than they deserved after Newcastle exhibited some scintillating attacking football in the second stanza. Had it not been for Joe Gauci, United would have lost the match.

What went right: Joe Gauci saves the day

Joe Gauci’s stock as one of the country’s brightest goalkeeping prospects continues to rise with each passing match. Against the Jets he was instrumental in keeping the Reds in the contest, pulling off nine saves which included a couple of quality stops to deny Beka Mikeltadze and Olivier Boumal from close proximity. Adelaide has been indebted to the 21-year-old, but he and the team will be hoping for quieter matches moving forward.

What went right: Late heroics

Late drama and Adelaide United have become a synonymous pair this season. Mohamed Toure’s 88th minute finish was the 10th time the Reds have scored on or after the 84th minute. Those 10 goals have returned an incredible 16 points this campaign and its indicative of the belief, desire and fighting spirit instilled in the squad. It was also United’s 19th second-half goal and their ineffable knack of consistently finding ways to collect results from seemingly impossible positions does no good for the heart.  

What went right: Toure makes an impact off the bench… Again

Mohamed Toure delivered yet again for Adelaide off the bench. Carl Veart praised the 17-year-old’s ability and potential in the post-match press conference after scoring for the second game in succession. Toure expertly got on the end of Craig Goodwin’s whipped cross as his attempt ricocheted in off the post for his third goal of 2021/22. The lively forward’s impact helped the Reds finish the stronger of the two teams.

Match details:
Sunday, 13 March
Isuzu UTE A-League 2021/22 – Matchweek 18
Adelaide United 2 (Blackwood 3′, Toure 88′)
Newcastle Jets 1 (Thurgate 65′)
Venue: Coopers Stadium
Attendance: 6, 921