THEY SAID IT: “Three in a row, we’ve never done two in a row before. We know there’s still a lot to do, this is just the beginning” – Phoenix defender Michaela Foster was overflowing of pride after his team beat Western United. 3-1.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Melbourne City star and Matildas youngster Holly McNamara just keeps getting better. The winger completed a perfect hat-trick: scoring with her left foot, right foot and via a header, and also won a penalty to have a say in all four of City’s goals in their chaotic 4-3 win over Western Sydney.
STAT: Wellington have won three matches in a row – the first time the club has achieved this feat in the A-League women’s competition. Not bad for a team that finished dead last the last two seasons.
BEAT THIS: Western United had a bad day in New Zealand, losing 3-1 to the Phoenix. But United star Chloe Logarzo at least provided one of the game’s big highlights with a wicked shot from outside the box that rounded the pouncing goalkeeper.
TALKING POINT: Matildas forward Emily Gielnik’s fitness will be a hot topic after she suffered calf tightness in the 61st minute of Melbourne Victory’s 4-0 loss to Newcastle. Gielnik just returned to action last week after a 234-day absence due to a serious ankle injury.
UNDER PRESSURE: Western United produced wonders in their debut campaign last season, before completing a fairytale run to the grand final. But Sunday’s 3-1 defeat to Wellington left them in seventh place with just four points from the opening four rounds. They still have plenty of time to recover, but they won’t want to fall further behind the top four teams.
WHAT’S NEXT: Table leaders Perth Glory host Melbourne Victory in a blockbuster Saturday night in Perth. Wellington will be aiming to make it four wins in a row when they travel to the Central Coast. Sydney kicks off Sunday’s action in Adelaide, Brisbane hosts Western United and Newcastle take on Melbourne City. Western Sydney coach Robbie Hooker has signaled the Wanderers’ clash with Canberra could be postponed due to lack of pitch availability.
