The Wellington Phoenix got their stifling tactics half right in their loss to Adelaide United but Steven Taylor says that won't be good enough against A-League pacesetters Perth.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Phoenix are at a low ebb following three straight losses and get no respite on Sunday night against the visiting Glory, who are chasing a fifth successive win to widen the gap they've built atop the standings.
Former long-serving Newcastle United defender Taylor said last week's 3-1 loss to Adelaide was a case study in sticking successfully to a plan for half a game and then deserting it in the other.
Deservedly ahead after 44 minutes having impressed at both ends of the park, an unforced Tom Doyle own goal swung momentum in debilitating fashion in a 3-1 defeat.
"It was a hard one to swallow. In the first half especially, we frustrated them," Taylor said.
"Seeing their players argue with each other on the pitch before they got their goal (was satisfying)."
Coach Mark Rudan lamented a drop off in confidence among his players in the second spell borne of several seasons of under-performance.
Seasoned professional Taylor was this season's biggest Phoenix signing and was introduced to provide self belief.
Conceding eight goals in the last three has stung the 32-year-old but he describes their lean run as a "blip" and isn't cowed by Perth's dominant form.
He pointed to how the bottom-placed Central Coast Mariners pushed them close last weekend before a 95th-minute winner from Chris Ikonomidis.
"I don't feel pressure. I'm excited about it because there's a challenge ahead," Taylor said.
"We want to get on the front foot, especially against Perth. We're going to make it very difficult for them but we're going to take the game to them as well.
"For us, we're a tight knit group, which is the best thing. The quality that we have got, we trust in each other and we'll stick together."
Taylor has been a long-time follower of the A-League from afar and concedes the standard has taken by surprise.
"When I've looked at the last five years, this year especially the quality of the teams and the individual class, you can't take anyone lightly."
The Phoenix have won their last two home games against Perth Glory, scoring seven goals in the process.
-AAP