Prior to this season and following on from the 2020/21 season, the Perth Glory have conceded 202 goals in 105 games, equating to nearly two goals per game.
Alarmingly, this season the team is averaging 3.2 goals conceded per match, setting a new league record for the worst start to a season after five games, surpassing Western United’s mark from the 2022/23 campaign. These statistics underline a defensive performance that is far below the standard required.
In a bitter twist of irony, the latest defensive shortcomings were glaringly evident in their match against Western United. Early warning signs emerged as Ben Garuccio’s sixth-minute volley narrowly missed the target, saved from scrutiny only by the offside flag. This opportunity stemmed from Perth’s inability to clear their lines after being pinned in by John Aloisi’s side.
Barely a minute later, Perth’s attempt to press high in Western United’s defensive third was effortlessly broken. The swift transition into Perth’s defensive half culminated in Tate Russell finding Noah Botic unmarked in the box. Cam Cook initially saved Botic’s effort, deflecting it onto the crossbar, but Botic’s follow-up header struck the woodwork again, sparing Glory further embarrassment.
Approximately ten minutes later, a loose pass from Josh Risdon – returning after a lengthy injury absence – was intercepted by Garuccio, who quickly fed Botic. Cook responded with another excellent save to deny Botic, temporarily keeping the scoreline level.
Perth’s defensive frailties were further exposed when Angus Thurgate, left unmarked, made a dangerous run into the box. While the initial threat was neutralised, the ball fell to Dylan Leonard, who easily bypassed Hiroaki Aoyama before delivering a delightful cross to Hiroshi Ibusuki. Fortunately for Perth, Ibusuki’s header failed to capitalise on the opportunity.
By the 40th minute, Perth was fortunate not to be trailing by three goals. Western United’s dominance was reflected in their 1.57 xG by halftime, coupled with three big chances created. They also had nearly double the number of touches in the penalty area compared to Perth, emphasising the lopsided nature of the contest.
Remarkably, Perth Glory found themselves 1-0 up early in the second half, thanks to a well-constructed transition goal that saw Trent Ostler poke home their first goal since Round 1’s humbling 6-1 defeat to Macarthur. However, the joy was fleeting. Moments later, Dylan Leonard equalised, capitalising on a poorly defended corner.
Rewatching the goal highlights familiar defensive lapses. Ostler, who had just put Glory ahead, was initially tasked with marking Leonard but allowed him to escape unchallenged. Leonard anticipated the flick-on, and with no one guarding the near post, he poked the ball home. It was a preventable and sloppy goal, emblematic of the Glory’s ongoing defensive shortcomings.
The momentum, briefly with Perth, shifted back to Western United, who reclaimed control with a second goal crafted in a manner reminiscent of Perth’s opener. Abdul Faisal’s tame shot was easily dealt with by Matt Sutton, whose quick release set Tate Russell on a counterattack. Russell’s long ball targeted Noah Botic, whose clever control and layoff found Hiroshi Ibusuki at the top of the box. Ibusuki calmly slotted the ball past Cam Cook, completing a swift and effective transition.
Questions must be asked of Perth’s defending in this instance. Luis Cangá, an experienced defender who’s impressed in the first few rounds, failed to deal with the long ball effectively enough. How Ibusuki – who’s by no means a fast player – managed to gain separation from Nicholas Pennington is baffling. The defensive woes didn’t stop there.
Ibusuki’s second goal encapsulated the Glory’s failings. Matthew Grimaldi’s incisive pass exploited the Glory’s left flank, finding Botic, who delivered a well-timed ball to Ibusuki. Taras Gomulka, tasked with marking Ibusuki, allowed him to escape, while both he and Lachie Barr compounded the error by diving in recklessly. Ibusuki evaded the two Glory players with ease and fired past Cook. It was yet another instance of poor marking, lack of coordination, and a glaring absence of defensive awareness.
The issues are systemic. The level of application, awareness, and attention to detail from the Glory players – both individually and collectively – has been woefully inadequate. Conceding world-class goals is one thing, but when preventable goals become a recurring theme, the focus must turn to the players’ accountability.
Fans have been calling for a response for weeks, yet the commitment from some players remains questionable. Traveling fans, who made the trip to Sydney to support the team despite their dismal start to the season, deserve better. With Friday night’s clash against Adelaide United looming, another lacklustre performance could spell disaster. If the Glory fail to rise to the occasion, it promises to be a long and difficult evening for both the players and their loyal supporters.
