The visiting Phoenix had four opportunities to score inside the opening six minutes on Sunday's clash, but Michael McGlinchey scored the game's only goal on 41 minutes.

"If we want to take our game to the next level we need to start better than we did tonight," Arnold said.

"After those first six minutes I thought there was only one team in it scoring goals. We were calm throughout the match, and handled the situation pretty well.

"Don't underestimate the heat factor with 5 o'clock kick-offs, they certainly aren't easy."

Arnold added: "I'm very happy with the performance. The improvement in this side is enormous.''

The Mariners next face leaders Brisbane Roar on Wednesday and Arnold said he was looking forward to the challenge after being beaten 5-1 in their last meeting.

"That's ten clean sheets from 22 games, and we build our formation around our defence, and teams find it hard to break us down," he said.

"The progress of this team has been enormous, and I'm very proud of where we are at, but the boys know there is still plenty of improvement left in them.

"We've got a tough game now against Brisbane on Wednesday, and we're looking forward to it."

Wellington coach Ricki Herbert was proud of the fight his side showed in the second half.

Despite the loss the Phoenix can still make the top six.

"We've got our destiny in our own hands,'' he said.

Wellington's next match is away to Brisbane Roar on Sunday.