Wellington Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay's costly tactical error
OPINION: Wellington Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay did a nice job of refusing to solely blame the officials for his sides unfortunate loss to Sydney FC on Friday night. Lets hope hes also cognisant of the need for some self-examination, because he may find that an error of his own was the key to missing the opportunity for a marquee victory over the A-League title favourites. Talay had his team superbly drilled for the contest in wet, windy conditions. They matched the hosts throughout the first 65 minutes with a composed and disciplined display, while losing nothing to Sydney in comparison of ability on the ball, bar the gifts of the home sides striker Adam Le Fondre. The Phoenix coach had five substitutions at his disposal and had adroitly used Callum McCowatt at halftime to give the visitors extra punch down the left flank, which eventually allowed Liberato Cacace the opportunity to create the penalty which gave them the lead. READ MORE: * Ulises Davila in Johnny Warren Medal-winning form for Wellington Phoenix * Wellington Phoenix star Ulises Davila fulfilling enormous potential in A-League * Wellington Phoenix vs Western Sydney Wanderers: Ulises Davila the difference as streak continues However, successful spot-kick merchant Reno Piscopo was immediately taken off along with Jaushua Sotirio as Talay injected his two big-name stars, Ulises Davila and Gary Hooper into the proceedings. Talay clearly had a preconceived plan to utilise the key attacking duo, but the deadlock had just been broken. With a third of the game to play, and with Sydney struggling to break down Wellingtons tightly-knit defensive set-up in slippery conditions, Talay may have been best to keep his powder dry. Davila is a game-breaker but with his team ahead, he broke it in the opposite direction on Friday night. It was his handball that allowed le Fondre to equalise from the penalty spot 10 minutes after his arrival and then a lazy pass from the Mexican in midfield was intercepted and for the first time, the visitors were exposed to Sydneys counter-attack. Goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic made the wrong decision to venture out of his box and substitute Trent Buhagiar used by Talays coaching counterpart Steve Corica when his side was trailing gave the hosts a lead they wouldnt relinquish. Davila will again prove his worth to the Phoenix during the rest of the season and there was enough in Friday nights showing to suggest that the club can be a factor in the title chase. Talay, who has done a remarkable job in his debut season in the capital, will be the biggest factor in that pursuit, but on Friday night his tactical switch was as much to blame for three points lost as was the inconsistent officiating.