Brendan Santalab and Guilherme Finkler exchanged goals as two A-League title contenders couldn't be separated at AAMI Park on Saturday night. Despite some attempts to have it overshadowed, the match was the best A-League match in a little while and is definitely worth a look back.

Victory

Time for a change
As undeniable as the moment Gui Finkler’s last minute equalizer was, there was a hint of papering over the cracks about it post-match. The front three looked to be on different pages at different times, there were too many instances of players making the wrong decisions and fluffing scoring chances. Not playing a striker in this match forced the wingers to make a decision too quickly and waste possession, and it looks like Kevin Muscat realizes it, hinting post-match that adjustments to the shape of the front three may be on the cards.

Mistakes hurt 
The costly mistake from Mark Milligan after an ambitious Finkler pass led to Western Sydney’s first goal, as Brendan Santalab turned the ball over and fired past Nathan Coe. It was almost an instant replay of the encounter earlier in the season, and it was a big difference between the two teams and illustration of the different styles. It is what’s making Victory vs Wanderers a must-see fixture.

Reshuffles
Muscat removed Pablo Contreras shortly after the start of the second half, instead shifting Leigh Broxham back as Scott Galloway got some game time. Later, Andrew Nabbout came on for Jason Geria, both were attacking changes and showed Muscat thought on this feet to proactively try change the game even when scores were level.

Guuuuiiiiiiii Finkler
The strongest area of the Victory squad this season is its depth and flexibility, as such keeping a talent playmaker in Finkler on the bench. His goal from a free-kick was exquisite, leaving many (including myself) to demand he becomes a first-teamer immediately. He can replace either Broxham or Contreras if shuffled around properly, with either of the two able to play centre-back.

What does it mean? 
Unfortunately, the results confirms prior suspicions that Victory can’t challenge unless there is a slight change to the front three and a striker is added. This result leaves Victory eight points off the pace, Brisbane Roar having taken a commanding lead early. The last month, Victory have taken seven points from a potential 12 with one more fixture to come in this month’s run of five home matches. Not a bad return, but it could have been better.

Wanderers

Popovic’s squad surprise
The Wanderers’ team sheet sprung a few surprises as Shinji Ono and Tomi Juric were rested from the match completely, rather than coming off the bench later. It is clear that Popovic is making use of his squad and giving some youth players a go, rotating his best XI to get the most out of them at the right time. The strategy looks an understandable one, and the only judgments can be made at the end of the season.

Press
Watching the Wanderers live is a different experience to the one on TV, in more ways than one. You can see that they work incredibly hard to win the ball back and in the most effective areas, they had their hosts pinned back for the opening 15 minutes or so. Having a half second string line-up, particularly in attack, the visitors didn’t quite take full advantage of it, but healthy signs are there.

Midfield shield
Iacopo La Rocca and Mateo Poljak did their job as well as ever, adding to the shield that is the back four defence. The midfield was pushed back at times as Victory pushed for an equalizer in a tactical battle, and if it wasn’t for a moment from Finkler, they would have succeeded and taken three points.

Taking advantage
One thing the Wanderers make the most out of is opposition mistakes, Santalab did just that for the opening goal of the match. The ground the Wanderers cover, added with their aggression, has their opponents on the back foot and Milligan found out the hard way as he was pounced on. Making something happen is just as important as taking advantage of your luck, Western Sydney make it count the most.

Fair result
As much as they held tight for most part, the front three had several chances that were wasted, which does matter more than anything. They won’t be too shattered, despite being moments away from a win, but there wasn’t enough penetration to make Victory pay.