‘Auckland’s Worrying Trend Paves the Way for Premiership Shakeup as Two Rivals Enter the Fray’

Could Western United pose a serious challenge to Auckland FC’s title ambitions? An A-Leagues legend certainly believes they might, as yet another “strong contender” makes an appearance.

Throughout the majority of the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League season, Auckland has established themselves as the leading team, with the historic Black Knights currently perched at the top of the table.

However, Steve Corica’s squad has seen their advantage shrink to a mere four points after 23 rounds, with John Aloisi’s high-flying Western United closely pursuing them during Auckland’s recent spell of three successive draws.

In their last outing against two-time defending champions Central Coast Mariners, Auckland allowed a late equaliser in the 90th minute, while the match before that saw them concede a last-gasp goal in the 98th minute, resulting in a frantic 4-4 draw with Adelaide United—a concerning pattern for the club.

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“This late equaliser isn’t an isolated incident; they’ve been vulnerable to late goals in recent weeks,” remarked A-Leagues legend and former Sydney FC striker Alex Brosque on this week’s episode of Total A-Leagues.

“They previously managed to snatch late goals from their opponents for many games early in the season, which raises concerns. As they approach the finals, it’s important to have form, but now they find themselves looking over their shoulders.

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“Meanwhile, Western United, with a fantastic win, are gaining momentum and inching closer.”

“If they fail to secure this Premiership and finish in first place, it could deliver a significant psychological blow as they head into the finals.”

Auckland’s recent struggles, although they still hold a game in hand over Western, have revived hope for the Green and Black in the Premiership race.

Crowned champions in 2022, Western United has not reached the Finals Series since that victorious season, yet the youthful squad from Tarneit has emerged as a credible title contender this year.

They made history by scoring three or more goals in three consecutive matches, and continued their surge with a 6-2 thrashing of the in-form Newcastle Jets, marking their fourth consecutive victory.

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With Golden Boot frontrunner Noah Botic leading the charge, Western has netted the second-highest number of goals in the league this season—just one goal behind the Wanderers—matching their regular-season scoring record with five fixtures still to play.

“They present real threats throughout their attack, and their execution against Newcastle, who came into this match in formidable form, was impressive,” Brosque highlighted.

“Aloisi has done an excellent job, and they appear to be peaking at just the right moment, putting pressure on Auckland.”

“Their title race isn’t over yet, and they showcased solid defensive skills against a Newcastle team that has been scoring prolifically.”

“While they did concede a couple of goals, their attacking capability is where they excel right now, and Western certainly poses a challenge.”

Amongst the rising contenders is the Western Sydney Wanderers, who are enjoying a superb run of form, winning their last four matches and climbing to third in the standings. The Wanderers have netted four goals in three of those games, including a remarkable 4-2 comeback against Melbourne Victory last week.

This marks their best winning streak since racking up seven straight victories between November and December in 2015.

During this week’s episode of Total A-Leagues, host and Sydney Morning Herald reporter Vince Rugari speculated whether the Wanderers could secure a second-place finish.

“If they can dictate the play, particularly in transitional phases, with the attacking firepower they possess in the final third, they can defeat any side in the league,” Rugari asserted.

“So, are you convinced? I can’t say I’m completely convinced, but I do believe they could be serious title contenders.”

“Interestingly, the two teams that really stand out to me are Auckland FC, who seem slightly less convincing, and Sydney FC.”

Brosque added, “Scoring four goals in multiple consecutive matches and winning five of their last six contests shows they’re doing remarkably well. Earlier in the season, I believed their firepower lacked consistency, but now they’re performing exceptionally well, rolling into the finals with impressive form.”