Perth Glory's A-League Women's coach Stephen Peters has issued a stern demand for defensive improvements following the team's recent disappointing performances. The call comes after Glory suffered back-to-back losses, including a particularly frustrating 3-2 defeat against Canberra United.
Defensive Concerns After Canberra Defeat
The recent match against Canberra United exposed significant vulnerabilities in Perth Glory's defensive structure. Despite creating numerous scoring opportunities and dominating possession for large portions of the game, defensive lapses proved costly. Glory conceded three goals from just four shots on target, a statistic that deeply concerned the coaching staff.
"We created enough chances to win two games of football," Peters acknowledged in his post-match assessment. "But when you're conceding three goals from four shots, it's simply not good enough at this level. Our defensive organization needs immediate attention."
Injury Update on Key Player Isobel Dalton
The team received mixed news regarding Scottish midfielder Isobel Dalton, who suffered a concerning injury during the match. Dalton was forced from the field in the 64th minute after an awkward landing following an aerial challenge.
"Isobel has undergone scans and we're awaiting the full results," Peters revealed. "Initially, we were worried it might be serious, but early indications suggest it might not be as bad as first thought. She's a tough character and we're hopeful about her recovery timeline."
The potential loss of Dalton would represent a significant blow to the squad, given her experience and technical quality in midfield. The Scottish import has become an important component of Peters' tactical setup since joining the club.
Road Ahead and Training Focus
Looking forward, Peters emphasized that defensive drills would dominate training sessions in the coming weeks. The team faces Western United in their next fixture, presenting an immediate opportunity to implement improvements.
"We need to be harder to play against," Peters stated bluntly. "It's not just about the defenders - it's a collective responsibility from front to back. Our pressing, our shape without the ball, our decision-making in transition - all these elements need work."
The coach remains confident that the squad has the quality to turn their season around, pointing to their attacking prowess as evidence of their potential. However, he stressed that defensive solidity must become the foundation upon which their attacking flair can flourish.
With several crucial matches approaching in the A-League Women's competition, the timing of these defensive adjustments could prove critical to Perth Glory's aspirations for the season. Peters and his coaching staff are determined to address these issues promptly, ensuring the team returns to competitive form in upcoming fixtures.
