Match Summary
Wellington Phoenix defeated Western Sydney Wanderers 2:0. The match was played in A-League 2023. Goals were scored by K. Barbarouses 90′, B. Old 90′. 2 yellow cards were shown. Wellington Phoenix had 54% possession while Western Sydney Wanderers held 46%. Wellington Phoenix had 9 shots (3 on target) compared to 20 (3 on target) for Western Sydney Wanderers. Wellington Phoenix made 4 substitutions, Western Sydney Wanderers made 5. VAR was involved: Penalty cancelled (Bozhidar Kraev 51′).
Match Events
Key match events between Wellington Phoenix and Western Sydney Wanderers — 2 goals and 2 cards recorded during the match.
assist: A. Rufer
assist: K. Barbarouses
Match Statistics
Wellington Phoenix had 54% possession against Western Sydney Wanderers's 46%. Wellington Phoenix registered 9 shots (3 on target) while Western Sydney Wanderers managed 20 (3 on target). Corner kicks: 7–6. Fouls committed: 6–7.
Lineups
Wellington Phoenix lined up in a 4-2-2-2 formation under G. Italiano, while Western Sydney Wanderers deployed a 4-4-2 under M. Rudan.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Wellington Phoenix is 6.83, compared to 7.21 for Western Sydney Wanderers. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Wellington Phoenix's highest-rated starter is A. Rufer (7.21), while Western Sydney Wanderers's best-rated player is O. Priestman (7.96).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Wellington Phoenix have contributed 3 goals and 4 assists this season, led by A. Rufer (2G). Western Sydney Wanderers's starters account for 0 goals and 2 assists, spearheaded by —. Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Wellington Phoenix deploy 4 defenders rated 6.44 on average, against Western Sydney Wanderers's 4-man backline averaging 6.88. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Wellington Phoenix field 4 midfielders averaging 7.21, versus Western Sydney Wanderers's 4 rated 7.96. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Wellington Phoenix start 2 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 2 for Western Sydney Wanderers averaging —. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 44% for Wellington Phoenix and 73% for Western Sydney Wanderers. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Wellington Phoenix's starters have collected 6 yellow cards this season, compared to 4 for Western Sydney Wanderers. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Wellington Phoenix's starting XI is 29.8 (youngest: S. Sutton (24), oldest: K. Barbarouses (35)), while Western Sydney Wanderers average 25.0 (youngest: A. Simmons (22), oldest: L. Thomas (33)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Wellington Phoenix's starters average 7 league appearances each, versus 11 for Western Sydney Wanderers. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Wellington Phoenix have recorded 0 wins, 2 draws and 4 defeats. Western Sydney Wanderers show 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses from their last 6 outings.
Wellington Phoenix
Western Sydney Wanderers
Head to Head
Wellington Phoenix and Western Sydney Wanderers have met 1 times — Wellington Phoenix won 0, Western Sydney Wanderers won 0, with 1 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2026. A combined 4 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 4.00 per match (2 for the home side, 2 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 1 matches (100%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 1 games (100%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 2–2 in 2026.
0
Wellington Phoenix
1
Drawn
0
Western Sydney Wanderers
Recent Meetings (1)
API data: 15 Mar 2026