Wellington Phoenix go top of A-League as Alex Paulsen’s goalkeeping heroics deny Melbourne City
Wellington Phoenix claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Melbourne City at Auckland’s Go Media Stadium Mt Smart, thanks to sensational goalkeeping from Alex Paulsen. The win sees the Phoenix rise to the top of the men’s A-League, with 11 points from five matches, maintaining their unbeaten start to the season under new coach Giancarlo Italiano.
Paulsen’s exceptional display between the posts, which included saving a penalty, ensured the Phoenix earned all three points. The victory marks their third win of the campaign, alongside two draws.
In a thrilling start to the match, Wellington had an early opportunity to take the lead as a well-placed pass from Nicholas Pennington found David Ball, making his 100th A-League appearance. However, Melbourne’s goalkeeper Jamie Young denied Ball with an excellent save.
As the first half progressed, the Phoenix came close to scoring on multiple occasions. Kosta Barbarouses failed to convert a chance created by a pullback from Ball, and then almost caught Young off guard with an early shot that forced the keeper to make a low diving save.
Melbourne City also had their fair share of opportunities, with a free-kick from Hamza Sakhi testing Paulsen, who managed to tip the ball over the bar with his fingertips.
With the score level at halftime, Wellington broke the deadlock in the second half. Mohamed Al-Taay launched a quick counter-attack, playing Ball behind Melbourne’s defense. Ball then made an unselfish pass to Bozhidar Kraev, who calmly slotted the ball into an empty net with Young out of position.
Melbourne City had a chance to equalize in the 60th minute when Kraev was controversially adjudged to have fouled Sakhi inside the box, resulting in a penalty. However, Paulsen showcased his shot-stopping abilities once again, pushing Jamie Maclaren’s effort onto the post and denying Melbourne the chance to level the score. Sakhi’s follow-up shot sailed over the bar.
In an attempt to protect their lead, the Phoenix adopted a more defensive approach, looking to hit Melbourne on the counter. The game concluded with Barbarouses being denied by Young’s fingertips in added time.
Paulsen had the final say as he comfortably held onto a Terry Antonis header, securing the victory for Wellington Phoenix as the final whistle blew at Mt Smart.
Wellington Phoenix now sit at the top of the A-League table with 11 points, but their position could be overtaken by the Western Sydney Wanderers if they defeat Sydney FC later in the evening.
The Phoenix’s triumph, led by the heroics of goalkeeper Alex Paulsen, showcases their strong start to the season under new coach Giancarlo Italiano. With a winning mentality and an unbeaten streak intact, Wellington will be looking to maintain their impressive form as the A-League season progresses.
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