The numbers that matter
The big winners of Round 18 were...
It's hard to know where to begin this week!
The top-five as it stands at the end of the round all had enjoyable victories, but after some deliberations we've settled on Adelaide United for a second consecutive win that ensured they stay level with Sydney FC on points.
Andrioli's youthful side continue to grow throughout the season at the same time that other sides such as City, Macarthur, Brisbane and Perth are shrinking, and their fearless football was rewarded with gritty wins over Sydney and Perth after challenging the rampaging Jets the week prior.
Most impressively of all, they're doing it without starting left back Dylan Pierias, and inspirational on-field leader Craig Goodwin.
The big losers of Round 18 were...
Melbourne City, who were torn apart by their cross-town rivals and look to have reached their peak for the season.
A schism appears to be beginning to open up in the table between the bottom-five, headed by City, and the remainder of the competition, where City and Brisbane Roar both look an enormously long way behind Central Coast Mariners at the moment despite being level with them on points.
City are flying the flag for the country on the continental stage but have won only one of their last six A-League games, and patience with head coach Aurelio Vidmar is subsequently wearing thin.
They find themselves unable to put in a solid 90 minute performance at the moment, either having to chase the game as they did against Wellington, Macarthur and Victory, or struggling to hold a lead as per the 1-1 draw with Western Sydney.
Team of the Week
Read more about our Round 18 Team of the Week here.
Goal of the Week
Whilst it was tempting to pick Josh Oluwayemi's howler for its 'Peak A-League' areas, we have to go with the class of Victory's Juan Mata.
What the managers said
Warren Moon (Central Coast Mariners): "Absolutely so proud of the group. We were positive at half-time even though it couldn't have got much worse. There was no need for panic at half-time and there was improvement in the second half. When we made the subs there was a momentum shift in the game. I think Wanderers will feel done by, and perhaps rightfully so, but for what we did in the last 20 (minutes) we probably deserved that."
Giancarlo Italiano (Wellington Phoenix): "It certainly is (the end). To lose 5-0 at home with the season still to play for is unacceptable, so I've told the club that I've tendered my resignation. It's easier for someone else to come in with new energy and refocus the group."
Steve Corica (Auckland FC): "We put them to the sword early on. We're six out of six (in derbies) now which is outstanding in our first two seasons. It's credit to the players and how they committed to the derbies. We had quality players coming on like Cam Howieson, Logan Rogerson, Guillermo (May) starting which he hasn't done much of this season. We know what they can do and they were excellent tonight. The other boys watching back home will probably now be fighting for their spots back."
Read the post-match comments from all 12 managers here.
Next week's fixtures
