Phoenix falter in finishing off the job

Some time soon the Wellington Phoenix will put together a complete performance.

They has been plenty of promise in their two draws and two losses to start the A-League season, but playing well in patches or in limited facets of the game isn’t enough to get three points.

Take the last two weeks for example.

The 1-0 loss away to Melbourne City on October 21 was full of merit because of their 60 per cent possession rate, but they only really had one decent chance to show for it.

Then, they produce 20 sublime minutes of finishing to go up 3-0 against Brisbane Roar at Westpac Stadium in Wellington on Saturday, but fail to control the rest of the game, garnering only 42 per cent possession at home as Brisbane rallied late to snatch a 3-3 draw.

Phoenix coach Darije Kalezic was caught between two reactions to the draw, seeing enough in their early play to expect good things to not be too far away.

‘‘I am disappointed. It’s double though because I am also glad to see my team after three games playing like how they did in the first half. Unbelievable improvement.

‘‘But from another side I see also things in the second half that we have to improve and make that step.

‘‘I think you have to put this in the right perspective, to realise exactly where we are, how young our process is, our situation with the players who didn’t play, all of this stuff.

‘‘For me as a coach, there is no space to be emotional, I have to think from reason and analyse the game how it is and analyse the process from where it is at this time to try and make the next step in the next game to probably soon, with comfortable leadership, not lose any more games.’’

Kalezic is right about the players they were missing.

Centrebacks Andrew Durante and Marco Rossi both missed the game with groin injuries, although the former was seen in his kit running fitness drills after the match.

They also lost right back Scott Galloway to an unknown injury in the 25th minute, replaced by Dylan Fox.

Gui Finkler was only fit enough for 21 minutes, and when he came on it was for Dario Vidosic, who couldn’t see out the 90 minutes due to illness.

But that’s football. You can’t expect to have a fully fit squad at your disposal at all times of the season.

Kalezic was well aware of that, and said that the Phoenix should have been able to get the job done with the players they had at their disposal.

‘‘That is five players [with fitness issues] and that works against us, but still I think we have to be able, with the players we have, to win this game.’’

The Phoenix’s next chance to get their first win will be away to the Newcastle Jets next Saturday, where they will meet former coach Ernie Merrick for the first time since he resigned last December.

Ideally, a mix of the performances against City and the Roar would happen, but the Jets have started very well this season and will pose a tough challenge at home.

‘‘Still I think we have to be able, with the players we have, to win this game.’’ Phoenix coach Darije Kalezic, right