Perth Glory's Struggles Continue with Late Defeat to Wanderers
A dramatic injury-time winner from former English Premier League winger Ryan Fraser has sealed a 1-0 victory for Western Sydney Wanderers over a struggling Perth Glory at CommBank Stadium. The match, played in sweltering conditions, saw the hosts secure all three points deep into stoppage time, leaving the Glory to rue missed opportunities and extend their concerning run of form.
Heat and Fatigue Factor in Parramatta
With temperatures soaring to 35 degrees at the revised kick-off time in Parramatta, both teams were granted two drinks breaks per half to combat the oppressive heat. The conditions visibly sapped energy from the players, leading to a cautious approach for much of the contest. Defences on both sides opted to sit deep rather than employ a high press, conserving energy in the challenging environment.
Western Sydney gradually found their rhythm in the final half-hour, while Perth appeared increasingly drained. Despite the shared conditions, the Wanderers managed to finish strongly, whereas the Glory offered little attacking threat throughout the match.
Fraser's Debut Delight for Wanderers
Just days after the dismissal of coach Alen Stajcic, interim manager Gary van Egmond's decision to introduce Ryan Fraser from the bench proved inspired. Making his debut for the club, Fraser finally broke the deadlock in the 92nd minute. His effort from a corner took a deflection before finding the net, sparking wild celebrations among the home supporters.
The timing was particularly cruel for Perth, who had defended resolutely for large periods. However, in truth, they created insufficient chances to merit a point from the encounter.
Glory's Defensive Resilience and Attacking Shortcomings
Perth's defensive duo of Brian Kaltak and Scott Wootton were immense, blocking numerous Wanderers attempts. Their heroics almost earned the Glory an unlikely draw, with goalkeeper Matt Sutton also making several key saves, including an excellent stop from Fraser shortly before the winner.
Yet, at the other end, Perth's attack faltered. They produced the two best opportunities of the first half, but Adam Taggart fired straight at Lawrence Thomas after a superb Tom Lawrence pass. Taggart then turned provider with a clever chip to Nicholas Pennington, only for Thomas to make a strong one-handed save.
Midfield Battle and Substitutions
Western Sydney controlled possession through Dylan Scicluna and Steven Ugarkovic, with Brandon Borrello linking play effectively. Wide players Aidan Simmons and Aydan Hammond provided constant danger.
In contrast, Perth's midfield of Rhys Bozinovski and Gio De Abreu struggled to influence the game, often resorting to hopeful long diagonals. Coach Adam Griffiths introduced Will Freney and Sebastian Despotovski at half-time for energy, but a delay in further changes seemed to cost the Glory as the Wanderers took control late on.
Post-Match Reactions and Table Position
The defeat marks a harsh reality check for new Glory coach Adam Griffiths, with Perth now having lost five of their last seven matches. They sit just three points above the bottom of the ladder and five points adrift of the top six.
"It hurts. We had some good moments in the first half. We just didn't take those moments," Griffiths lamented in a post-match interview on Paramount+. "They're a very good team... we weren't good enough with the ball in those moments. We turned over the ball cheaply, and then the pressure kept coming."
He emphasised that retaining possession was crucial to managing the game, a lesson painfully learned as Western Sydney's late pressure told.
Late Drama and Missed Chances
Before Fraser's winner, Western Sydney had several opportunities to score. Kiril Kraev forced a save from Sutton, while Fraser saw two efforts blocked by Kaltak in quick succession. Angus Thurgate then somehow lifted the rebound over the bar from close range.
Further chances came and went, with Fraser hitting the post and substitute Awan Lual striking the crossbar in the 90th minute. Ultimately, the relentless pressure paid off, leaving Perth to reflect on what might have been in a match where they showed resilience but lacked cutting edge.
