The ‘exceptional team’ defying historical norms in their chase for A-League finals glory

The Western Sydney Wanderers have emerged as the “standout team” during this season of the Isuzu UTE A-League, challenging historical patterns, according to former Socceroo Tommy Oar in the latest episode of Total A-Leagues.

Currently pursuing a spot in the Finals Series, the Wanderers have enjoyed a remarkable resurgence, securing fourth place and maintaining an unbeaten streak of five matches, which includes three consecutive victories.

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After failing to clinch a top-six finish last season and not having secured a finals victory since reaching the Grand Final in 2015-16, the Wanderers have achieved three straight wins for the first time since March 2021.

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Only one point shy of second-placed Western United, the Wanderers have netted an impressive league-high of 43 goals across 19 matches, with standout performances from Nicolas Milanovic and Zac Sapsford in attack.

A-Leagues legend Archie Thompson offered high praise for the Wanderers in this week’s A-Leagues Download episode, commending their intensity and style of transitional football.

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While Total A-Leagues host and Sydney Morning Herald reporter Vince Rugari expressed a more cautious perspective on the Wanderers compared to Archie, former A-Leagues star Oar defended the resurgence of Western Sydney, siding with Thompson’s view.

“In terms of transition, they’re likely the standout team in the league,” Oar asserted. “However, there are still questions when they need to control the game themselves.

“They’ve scored the most goals out of any team this season.”

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Rugari then posed the question: “Does this imply they possess the best attack in the league?”

“On paper, I wouldn’t say so, as I believe teams like Sydney FC have superior individual players,” Oar replied. “However, their front third’s agility in transition is lethal.

“A major concern for them, which has perhaps hindered even better results, is their defensive record, as they’ve conceded too many goals.

“The scepticism surrounding the Wanderers, for me, is largely tied to their defensive performances rather than their offensive capabilities.

“It’s also noteworthy that players like (Nicolas) Milanovic and (Bozhidar) Kraev are sharing the responsibility in attack, rather than relying on a single goalscorer like Noah Botic.”

“They’ve distributed the scoring load, which can sometimes cause players or the team itself to fly under the radar. But I concur with Archie; they’ve been impressive.”

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Rugari added, “This is significant for me as well. There have been times in the past when the Wanderers have looked promising but faltered in key matches or had phases of good form followed by a slump.

“I’m not ready to fully invest in them just yet. With a bye this weekend, they’ll face Melbourne Victory at home next weekend. If they’re serious contenders, they need to win that match. A win there would make me reassess what they are capable of. Until then, I remain a bit sceptical.”

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Oar continued, “That’s a fair point. Given the Wanderers’ previous seasons, it’s understandable to feel that way.

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“However, one thing that seems distinct this year is that unlike previous seasons, the Wanderers have started strong and are now showing consistent growth, rather than fading away as the season progresses.

“They’ve been in the top six for the first time this season, and with three wins from their last four matches—arguably four, given their strong performance against Sydney FC in the last derby—they are making all the right moves at this crucial stage of the season.”

“They’re resonating positively at just the right moment.”

Rugari concluded, “I hope they build on this because the league thrives when the Wanderers are strong, and it’s been a long time since they’ve maintained such a competitive standard.”