Match Summary
Sydney defeated Western United 4:2. The match was played in A-League 2023. Goals were scored by A. Thurgate 5′, Fábio Gomes 26′, J. Lolley 40′, J. Rodwell 47′, M. Grimaldi 83′, J. Lolley 90′. 3 yellow cards were shown. Sydney had 61% possession while Western United held 39%. Sydney had 29 shots (11 on target) compared to 14 (6 on target) for Western United. Sydney made 5 substitutions, Western United made 3.
Match Events
Key match events between Sydney and Western United — 6 goals and 3 cards recorded during the match.
assist: L. Wales
assist: J. Girdwood-Reich
assist: J. Lolley
assist: J. Risdon
assist: L. Brattan
Match Statistics
Sydney had 61% possession against Western United's 39%. Sydney registered 29 shots (11 on target) while Western United managed 14 (6 on target). Corner kicks: 8–5. Fouls committed: 13–13.
Lineups
Sydney lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under U. Talay, while Western United deployed a 4-2-3-1 under J. Aloisi.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Sydney is 6.71, compared to 7.27 for Western United. 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. Sydney's highest-rated starter is R. Grant (6.74), while Western United's best-rated player is A. Thurgate (7.27).
Defensive Solidity
Sydney deploy 4 defenders rated 6.71 on average, against Western United's 4-man backline averaging —. 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
Sydney field 5 midfielders averaging —, versus Western United's 5 rated 7.27. 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
Sydney start 1 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 1 for Western United 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 —% for Sydney and 75% for Western United. 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
Sydney's starters have collected 5 yellow cards this season, compared to 0 for Western United. 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 Sydney's starting XI is 29.5 (youngest: J. King (25), oldest: R. Grant (34)), while Western United average 30.0 (youngest: A. Thurgate (25), oldest: T. Imai (35)). 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
Sydney's starters average 14 league appearances each, versus 1 for Western United. 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, Sydney have recorded 3 wins, 1 draws and 2 defeats. Western United show 0 wins, 0 draws and 1 losses from their last 1 outings.
Sydney
Western United
Head to Head
Sydney and Western United have met 1 times — Sydney won 1, Western United won 0, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. Sydney leads the head-to-head with 1 victories from 1 meetings. A combined 1 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 1.00 per match (1 for the home side, 0 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 0 matches (0%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 0 games (0%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 0–1 in 2025.
1
Sydney
0
Drawn
0
Western United
Recent Meetings (1)
API data: 15 Mar 2026