Bozhidar Kraev of Wellington Phoenix in action against Sydney FC, 2023. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Sydney FC have handed the Wellington Phoenix just their second defeat of the men's A-League season.
The Sky Blues have beaten the Phoenix 3-1 at Allianz Stadium in Sydney, scoring two late goals after Kosta Barbarouses had found the back of the net for the fourth time in three games to draw the Nix level in the 81st minute.
Wellington remain top of the table, but will be joined on 20 points by Melbourne Victory if they beat Adelaide United tomorrow night.
Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano felt his side was unlucky to leave Allianz Stadium empty-handed after a strong second half showing.
"I'm extremely proud of my group, especially after the first half," Italiano told media post-match.
"I thought we took a long time to get into the game [and] we gave away a really soft goal off the corner.
"I think we still had a couple of good chances in that first half but it wasn't working as well as we'd planned.
"I think the players gave everything in the second half, they did exactly what I asked and I can't fault them for that.
"I think that shows a lot of character within the group. There's a lot of belief…and we were five minutes away from getting a draw away from home against a really tough opponent."
Sydney's second goal came after a rare error from young goalkeeper Alex Paulsen when he gave away possession deep in the Wellington half.
"It happens. [If] we're faulting him for one mistake in round 10 then it's pretty good.
"It's going to happen. It won't be the last time.
"Could he improve potentially the timing or the weight of the pass? Yes, but he's still a young kid as well and to expect anyone to be faultless is not reasonable."
Giancarlo Italiano named an unchanged XI, selecting the same starting line-up and bench from their past two matches, with Tim Payne playing his 100th A-League match and Scott Wootton his 50th.
The Wellington Phoenix will remain in Sydney over New Year before flying to South Australia on Wednesday for their next match against Adelaide United on Thursday night.