Western Sydney Wanderers coach Carl Robinson bemoaned a “lethargic” display from his side in a 2-2 draw with Newcastle Jets on Sunday.
The second game of their 2021/22 A-League Men campaign underwhelmed many as the Wanderers failed to secure three points for the second game in a row.
Along with the hysteria that had been built, a game changer for the Wanderers this season might just be Jack Rodwell, as he demonstrated promise in the second half of the game in his 30-minute appearance.
Soaring past half of the Newcastle team in one run and just short of scoring, Rodwell rightly got fans of their seats.
“Jack Rodwell is a top, top player, we know that, and we are very lucky to have him. I think you see in the short glimpses he’s been on the pitch that he probably should have, could have scored two goals today,” Robinson said post-match.
In Sunday night’s clash, an unfortunate showdown between Rodwell and the opposition’s Angus Thurgate resulted in the Englishman receiving a yellow card – something Robinson wasn’t happy about.
“I think he slipped. If you’re going to get people sent off like that, you’ll end up with things like nine vs.
eight,” he sad.
Jets manager Arthur Papas added, “I haven’t seen it [the penalty] again. The main thing is that Gus isn’t injured.”
How Rodwell’s role in the team will refresh the dynamic and overall performance once he procures suitable match fitness is only one part of the fascination that will unravel in future games.
Robinson’s calm nature saw him downplay fears around the Wanderers progress after a staggering start to the season.
“I think everyone tries to be better each week. We are a new team, new personnel, there’s positives to take.
Obviously the first half is something we need to address as well,” he said.
The game began with a slow start for the Wanderers with the Jets dominating possession in the opening 30 minutes. Perhaps Robinson is relying on Rodwell to change things around in the upcoming contests.
The Wanderers proved they can work harmoniously from midway through the first half onward, but just how long will it take to see consistency in their play for an entire game? duration?
Robinson and his ‘new’ team will need to gel quickly and Rodwell could play a big part in that.
Featured image credit: Steve Christo
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