The match, which marked his 200th A-League game as a coach, ended all square after Blake Powell's early penalty and Bobo's 62nd minute equaliser.

Sydney had 55 per cent possession and 13 shots to nine, but Arnold felt they were on top and should have claimed all three points.

“It was a good game, the Mariners played well but they didn’t have a shot on target in the second half and we had enough chances to win two games," Arnold said.

"I think that for some reason overall, this being my 200th game, someone up there wanted this to be a draw.”

The result means Sydney missed the chance to jump well clear of second-placed Newcastle who lost 3-2 earlier in the day to Wellington Phoenix.

The Sky Blues remain top, sitting seven points clear.

“Obviously it’s about scoring the goals, I thought the Mariners were very well set up tonight," Arnold said.

"I thought we worked extremely hard, the effort was fantastic and we go another point clear at the top which is the main thing.

“The most important thing for me always is getting those opportunities, getting into those positions, getting players into good areas and it’ll come.”

The Sky Blues are next in action in Friday's traditional Australia Day clash away to Melbourne Victory.