Inconsistency excites as Wanderers overpower Jets

They say a week is a long time in football and the A-League is no different. Inconsistency and unpredictability of the competition is one of its main draw cards.

The salary cap of the national competition ensures that by and large any team can beat anyone regardless of where they are sitting on the ladder. The Newcastle Jets produced a superb performance last weekend to defeat Melbourne Victory 2-1 away thanks to a classy double from former Socceroos winger Nathan Burns.

But the omission of the in-form Burns and marquee man Emile Heskey to injury left the Jets attacking stocks severely limited against last season’s Premiers the Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday night.

And the Wanderers seized their opportunity with Mark Bridge grabbing the only goal of the game in the 32^nd minute with a clever header at the back post leaving Mark Birighitti with no chance.

But the Jets looked a completely different team without Burns, his incisiveness and ability to beat players on one has been a real feature of Newcastle’s play this season.

The Jets maintained plenty of possession in the first half but lacked a cutting edge as they found it difficult to penetrate a resolute Wanderers defensive unit.

Conversely the Wanderers grew into match as it wore on and created by far the more opportunities and in truth could have possibly won by more if they were more clinical.

Credit must be given to the Wanderers also who were missing Tomi Juric and Brendan Santalab in the front third which shows the depth that Tony Popovic has in his squad.

The Jets were better in the second half without really threatening Ante Covic’s goal and Gary Van Egmond would be concerned with their inability to create clear cut chances.

But the more pertinent question for the Jets is whether they can get Burns back on the park and secure him on a long term deal as his loan deal from Incheon United is due to expire in 4 weeks.

The Jets are keen to secure is services long term and Burns is keen to stay but a deal has not yet been forthcoming from his Korean club.

His impact for the Jets has been outstanding so far this year and would undoubtedly be leading the clubs player of the season tally up until this point.

His speed, dribbling ability and link up play has been a feature of the Jets play and it was no surprise to see his omission coincide with the Jets below par performance against the Wanderers.

A week is a long time in football - hopefully for the Jets and Nathan Burns it’s a fruitful one.