Match Summary
Adelaide United defeated Western United 4:1. The match was played in A-League 2023. Goals were scored by N. Irankunda 19′, N. Irankunda 46′, N. Irankunda 48′, M. Ruhs 50′, Z. Clough 80′ (pen.). 7 yellow cards were shown, 1 red cards. Adelaide United had 43% possession while Western United held 57%. Adelaide United had 20 shots (7 on target) compared to 12 (7 on target) for Western United. Adelaide United made 5 substitutions, Western United made 5. VAR was involved: Penalty confirmed (Zach Clough 78′).
Match Events
Key match events between Adelaide United and Western United — 5 goals and 8 cards recorded during the match.
assist: Z. Clough
assist: S. Mauk
assist: S. Mauk
Penalty
Match Statistics
Adelaide United had 43% possession against Western United's 57%. Adelaide United registered 20 shots (7 on target) while Western United managed 12 (7 on target). Corner kicks: 2–4. Fouls committed: 10–10.
Lineups
Adelaide United lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under C. Veart, while Western United deployed a 4-4-2 under J. Aloisi.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Adelaide United is 7.08, compared to 6.89 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. Adelaide United's highest-rated starter is E. Alagich (7.08), while Western United's best-rated player is A. Thurgate (7.27).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Adelaide United have contributed 2 goals and 3 assists this season, led by E. Alagich (2G). Western United's starters account for 0 goals and 0 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
Adelaide United deploy 4 defenders rated — 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
Adelaide United field 5 midfielders averaging 7.08, versus Western United's 4 rated 6.80. 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
Adelaide United start 1 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 2 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 Adelaide United and 82% 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
Adelaide United's starters have collected 3 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 Adelaide United's starting XI is 26.0 (youngest: E. Alagich (22), oldest: S. Mauk (30)), while Western United average 26.8 (youngest: M. Grimaldi (22), 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
Adelaide United'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, Adelaide United have recorded 3 wins, 2 draws and 1 defeats. Western United show 0 wins, 0 draws and 1 losses from their last 1 outings.
Adelaide United
Western United
API data: 15 Mar 2026