Western United have scored the least goals in the A-League this season and are firmly planted at the bottom of the ladder. Just two years ago Western United were crowned A-League Champions, why are they struggling upfront this season?
The development of a conservative football culture
Western United have seen a deterioration in their on-field performances over the past couple of years, but they have also seen a deterioration in their goal scoring prowess. In 2021 the club signed John Aloisi as manager. Despite his career as a striker, Aloisi’s teams have been somewhat conservative. In his history as an A-League coach, Alois’s teams have scored 279 goals in 207 games, an average of just 1.3 per game.
In Aloisi’s first season at Western United, the club successfully navigated many tight games, winning a total of eight matches 1-0 throughout the season. They would go onto with the 2022 Championship with this conservative style. Following this success, the club has solidified this conservatism into its playing culture but has been unable to replicate its Championship success.
One goal a game
This year the club is averaging just one goal a game, partly as a result of failing to effectively replace their Champion striker Aleksandar Prijović. In their Championship winning season, Prijović scored 13 goals, however after losing him, Noah Botic managed to claim the club’s next golden boot with just six A-League goals.
This year the club refreshed its attacking stocks by signing Daniel Penha and Nikita Rukavytsya, but as of yet neither has been able to replicate Prijović’s goal scoring potency. Rukavytsya has managed just one goal this season, and although Penha has been effective with 5 goals this season, other factors are impacting his ability to get on the scoresheet, namely a deterioration of the club’s midfield stocks.
The v8 is now a v6
The loss of Connor Pain and Alessandro Diamanti at the start of this season have proven to be huge losses for the clubs. These two midfielders played a pivotal role in constructing dangerous attacking plays as well as sharing the ability to score goals. Their experience was also a valuable stabilising force for the club and their loss has not been adequately replaced.
Western Untied has been increasingly turning to its youth ranks to fill out its squad, elevating three players from its youth program this year. The lack of experience though has seen its team bullied on the park and failing at critical match moments, including their injury time capitulation against Melbourne Victory recently. In that game the club lost a 1-0 lead in the dying minutes of the match to eventually lose 2-1.
A long road ahead
Western United appears to be looking longer term both on and off the field. Their new Youth focus aligns with their approach to their property development and club development. Interestingly, short term achievements may have actually fallen out of favour following their Championship win. After winning the A-League title the club actually saw a stagnation in their crowd numbers, a signal that may have influenced the club’s priorities as well as their appetite to scout experienced senior players.
There appear to be a number of factors impacting Western United’s ability to score goals. However with the club now at the bottom of the ladder and playing games in front of low crowds, perhaps it’s time Western United looked to change their approach.
The Beautiful Game 