TheGood
Wellington Phoenix are in the middle of a mid-season resurgence. They have earned seven points in their last three matches, and are undefeated in three games. Phoenix have managed to reduce the gap to sixth place on the table to five points.
The Phoenix have had recent win's over second-place Newcastle Jets and fourth-placed Melbourne Victory, who are in dominant form at the moment.
This resurgence has come after signing two key players at the start of the January transfer window, Nathan Burns and Matija Ljujic, who have contributed five goals in three matches for the Phoenix. Ljujic was awarded goal of the week in round 16.
Other Phoenix players who are standing up for their team are: Roy Krishna, who has the fourth most assists in the league; Andrija Kaluderovic, who has scored the third most goals in the league; Matthew Ridenton, the young midfielder is having a breakout season; Daniel Mullen, who scored and assisted a goal against Newcastle- not bad for a defender; and Lewis Italiano, with the shot-stopper in fine form, he earnt himself man of the match against Newcastle.
There are plenty of Phoenix players standing up and leading by example that have led to this mid-season resurgence. The question remains if this resurgence will last. The Phoenix take on Adelaide United next, on Saturday 27th January, at home and will be hoping to continue their undefeated run.
Mikaela Pratt
The Bad
We've picked on the VAR enough this season (though I don't think we're done yet either) so something different that was bad.
An injury is always a concern, especially if you can relate to it personally. After seeing Melbourne City's Nathaniel Atkinson go down clutching his ankle, I know I cringed from the all too familiar pain.
It was unclear what had happened, however replays showed he landed awkwardly and rolled his ankle after attempting a header inside the penalty area.
An injury common in lots of sports, particularly on the catwalk, I can assume that a lot of onlookers grimaced at the pain, as evident by Atkinson punching the ground.
The 18 year old was cleared of any major damage but you can bet he'll be sitting on the sidelines for some time.
All the best in your recovery Nathaniel. We hope to see you back out there soon.
Chris Sermeno
The Ugly
No supporters know the highs and lows of football like Perth Glory fans.
They've watched their team play free flowing, attacking football with their superstars firing in goals with ease. They've also watched their team offer no threat going forward while leaking countless goals in crucial clashes. It's a thankless job supporting the Perth Glory.
Their current run of form has been particularly hard to watch, with the side having slipped to 9th place on the table, a mere couple of points above an up and about Wellington Phoenix.
The worst thing about their miserable period is their defensive efforts, as they've watched a whopping 17 goals go past them in their last 5 games. An average of more than 3 goals a match.
Kenny Lowe is as under the pump as any coach in A-League history, and if he's to be any hope of sitting in his coaches seat securely, he must look to reinforce his crumbling defensive wall. The signing of Dino Djulbic in recent days shows that he has made this a priority, but maybe the damage has already been done.
Brodie Cowburn
Who's Hot
Given the enormous impact he's had on his side, and on the league itself, the signing of Ross McCormack happened with fairly little coverage or fanfare.
Brought on as in injury replacement for skipper Bruno Fornaroli, the former Scottish international was looking for a new start after what had been a torrid run at his parent club Aston Villa.
While his signing was something of a gamble for Melbourne City given him form and fitness issues, he has repaid the faith they have shown in him in spades.
With 14 goals from 16 appearances, he has had one of the best starts to an A-League career by any player ever. He's displayed a new lease on life at his new Melbourne home, scoring one of the great A-League goals this weekend in his side's 5-0 trouncing of Adelaide United.
McCormack is only a loan player at Melbourne City, who will now be doing all they can to keep hold of their revelation. For the sake of the league, all fans should be crossing their fingers that they succeed, for the quality of football is undoubtedly higher with players like Ross McCormack sticking around.
Mikaela Pratt
Who's Not
Adelaide United has suffered their heaviest defeat of the season this weekend, as Melbourne City annihilated them 5-0.
Adelaide coach, Marco Kurz, called it their "worst performance of the season". Even with the addition of their three key players back from Australian U23 duty (Blackwood, Izzo and Garuccio), who all started on the bench, a five-goal thrashing is inexcusable.
This loss extends Adelaide's winless streak to three games, and has seen Adelaide drop to fifth on the table, only 3 points ahead of Western Sydney Wanderers in sixth place.
Adelaide United have the worst conversion rate in the league at 10%, even though they have taken the most shots in the league. They will be hoping to end their winless streak away to Wellington Phoenix, on Saturday 27th January.
Brodie Cowburn
Goal of the Week
Melbourne City monopolised the Goal of the Week contenders in a single game as Adelaide fell 5-0 to the big spenders.
Ross McCormack has been banging in the goals for City in Fornaroli's absence, but new signing Dario Vidosic wasted no time in making himself popular with the City faithful (what faithful?)
Out of the two superstars, who both stamped their names in the top goals of the year category with emphasis, City's new #10 Vidosic takes the goal of the week.
Before you butcher me for the selection, take into consideration the difficulty of the angle. Vidosic had his back to goal when taking control, and taking it on the turn he beautifully fired it past a helpless Daniel Margush from the side of the box. (see Peter Crouch v Liverpool)
On a personal note, I was more impressed with Vidosic's goal. Argue what you will.
Chris Sermeno
