Western United Head Coach John Aloisi once again praised the work of his defence but said more goals will come after the Club’s 1-0 win over Brisbane Roar on Saturday.
A dominant first half failed to provide the breakthrough, but Connor Pain struck early in the second half to give the Green and Black a third successive win.
That means that all four of United’s A-League Men results have been 1-0 score lines, and Aloisi was pleased after the match with the defensive set up to ensure only one goal was needed to secure the win.
“It definitely gives us a platform to be able to compete, and that’s what we have to do every game – be able to compete. Against teams like Brisbane Roar, sometimes they can catch you and you become stretched,” he said.
“What’s also good is Leo (Lacroix), probably our form player, player of the month for the PFA – he wasn’t playing but we were still able to be very solid at the back.”
With a third successive clean sheet and just one goal conceded so far this season, Aloisi ensured the recognition went to the entire side for setting up to defend the opposition, not just the backline.
Despite another clean sheet and another win, the United boss did admit that the result should have been more of a formality given the opportunities the side created.
When asked what Western United needs to do to start converting more chances, Aloisi said:
“Keep on believing, keep on getting in those positions and they’ll fall for you. The more you get yourself into those areas, the more goals you’re going to score.
“We practice a lot in the final third in training, we work on our attacking structure a lot. That’s why it was so pleasing to see Connor score, because in training his finishing is great – Lachie’s finishing is great in training, we know Dylan Wenzel-Halls can score goals. Diamanti was getting in and around the box as well, so the more bodies we get in there in those areas the more chances you’ve got of scoring.”
John Aloisi lauds match-winner Connor Pain
On the match-winning Pain, Aloisi said he has been impressed with what he’s seen so far from the 28-year-old after he opened his account for the 2021/22 campaign.
“He’s been good. I thought he was dangerous against City, getting into good positions. 1-v-1 we know what Connor can do, and the most important thing we’ve tried to get our wide players to do is getting into the box,” he said.
United now turns its attention to a Christmas clash against Adelaide United, with the last home match for 2021 providing the Club a chance to win four successive games for the first time in its history.
