Fowler’s tactical stubbornness handicaps Brisbane

Robbie Fowler is a new coach and there is a steep learning curve when you’re suddenly in charge of all the decisions.

The lesson from tonight’s loss was the continued insistence for Roar’s defence to play with a ridiculously high line that only assisted Sydney, who were more than happy to beat them with a through ball.

Knowing that Sydney have speed and creativity in spades, it’s baffling that when Fowler saw that Sydney continued to take advantage of the high line, he didn’t order a change of tactics to shore things up.

Fowler is clearly insistent for Brisbane to play a certain style, with pressing from the front and a high defensive line understandably part of it. If he is to do that though, he requires a more combative midfield that can apply pressure to make sure those through balls don’t come through.

It raises the question of what exactly the plan is with this squad.

Roar have been inconsistent so far in the league with dismal displays following encouraging performances. It will be up to Fowler to find a way to make sure his team can start stringing some solid results.

Sydney retain top spot

The A-League has proven to be a very tight affair, but now five wins in a row, Sydney are starting to distance themselves from the pack.

Where Brisbane are hurting with their inability to show up with similar displays, Sydney are flourishing thanks to their consistency.

When it comes to line-ups and formations, there are very few changes to the way Steve Corica sets his teams up.

It has given his team the time they need to work things out on the pitch while the rest of his opponents struggle as they look for their best team.

The relationship is now seamless between the players and it showed as Barbarouses set up his teammates whenever he was given the opportunity, helping Le Fondre to his first A-League hat-trick.

It could be a stumbling block later down the track if they become too predictable in their play, but for the moment it has Sydney the top of the table and it will take some doing for them to drop if they keep playing like this.