Sydney FC out to extend derby dominance over Western Sydney Wanderers

Most Sydney derby enthusiasts will cite a lengthy string of lopsided results as evidence of Sydney FC’s dominance.

Mitchell Duke and the Wanderers celebrate their win over Melbourne Victory on Friday. Picture: Getty Images

Most Sydney derby enthusiasts will cite a lengthy string of lopsided results as evidence of Sydney FC’s dominance.

Like the fact Western Sydney have won only one of the past 17 derbies in all competitions, or that the Sky Blues have outscored the Wanderers 19-5 in their past seven unbeaten games.

But a closer look at when derby goals are scored reveals the extent to which Sydney have demonstrated a superior capacity to close out games against their fiercest ­rivals. Only once in nearly four years have the Wanderers managed a second-half goal. That was in April, when since-defected playmaker Alex Baumjohann netted in the 57th minute at ANZ Stadium to cancel Alex Brosque’s opener and seal a 1-1 draw.

In the 11 derbies since, the Wanderers have scored a total seven goals — all in the first 45 minutes. Of those, only Brendon Santalab’s 26th-minute strike in February 2017 ended in a Wanderers win.

Over the same period Sydney have amassed 24 goals, of which 15 came in the final 45 minutes.

However, Western Sydney enter Saturday’s match at Bankwest Stadium following successive victories. And the manner of those 2-1 results will have impressed coach Markus Babbel, with three of their four goals scored after halftime.

But Sydney defender Rhyan Grant has backed the champions in to continue their derby dominance, saying: “The record speaks for itself.

“We’re always confident no matter who we play but those games are always difficult and it’s always a bit fiery and what not.”

The Daily Telegraph