Gary van Egmond says the Jets’ inability to break down Sydney FC’s defence proved to be the difference in Friday’s season opener.
Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets head coach Gary van Egmond says the Jets- inability to break down Sydney FC-s defence proved to be the difference between the two sides in Friday night-s Hyundai A-League season opener at Allianz Stadium.
Despite having a whopping 59% of possession during the match, the Jets only managed to fashion one shot on target during the contest, with Jacob Pepper-s header onto the woodwork, the closest they came top finding the back of the net.
“We got on top early and we looked extremely dangerous but it comes back to bite you if you don-t take those chances,” van Egmond said.
“Opposition teams are always going to get that opportunity to dominate a game.
“It’s a case where it’s really frustrating because we created our own misfortune (for both their goals).”
Van Egmond said decision making and execution in the attacking third of the pitch is a key area of improvement for the Jets ahead of Sunday-s clash with Perth Glory.
“We really need to work on the front third,” van Egmond said.
“We need to get their positioning right and get confidence into the two boys (up front).
“The build up play from the back into the midfield was quite good but the next pass into the forward area was a concern.
“It never looked like it was going to stick and then we pushed passes. It never really got there so it’s something we need to work on.”
Attacking midfielder Michael Bridges is expected to return from injury against the Glory, giving Newcastle added potency in the front third.
Aside from Bridges returning, van Egmond said he is unlikely to tinker with the Jets- line-up too extensively ahead on Sunday-s fixture.
“We’re not going to make wholesale changes,” van Egmond said.
“You have to give players who performed tonight a real opportunity. We’re going to stick with that squad and in particular the team.
“I think we have a good team and a real strong squad.
“Tonight we got a bit overawed in those two wide areas and up front and it cost us.
“You can start to dominate a game but unless you’ve got something to show for it the opposition is going to hurt you.”
