Wellington Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano says that if you’d told him at the start of the season his side would have been topping the A-League Men table after 11 games, he’d have thought you were mad.
But now the Phoenix have defied all his expectations, he reckons it’s crucial his high flyers remain focused and don’t look too far ahead after the point that keeps them in pole position.
The nailbiting 2-2 draw at Adelaide United keeps Wellington one point clear of second-placed Melbourne Victory, who play on Saturday.
Kosta Barbarouses twice gave his side the lead, scoring either side of halftime, but the Reds managed to equalise twice to claim a share of the points on Thursday night.
There were numerous chances for both sides in the thrilling encounter, with the Phoenix producing a fine display as they almost snatched an injury-time winner when Nick Pennington’s header bounced out off the post.