Patricio Perez's controversial 73rd minute penalty won the Mariners a point in the game after Rhyan Grant had put the Sky Blues ahead, but Arnold rued missed opportunities.

"I never go into a game for a draw," he said. "We came here to win and for me it's a loss of two points.

"Sydney were a wounded animal and they were going to come out with a lot of passion, spirit and fight and I thought the main thing for the first half was to match that, which I felt we did.

"We slowly got into the game more and we finished the first half strongly.

"I thought we had the better chances. They hit the post twice from 20 metres out and one was a deflection. It was probably two points lost."

Arnold was pleased to see new signing Perez prove a handful for the Sydney defence and the Mariners boss promised the Argentine would get better.

"He did OK and he was only 60 per cent fit, so I'm looking forward to seeing him 100 per cent fit," Arnold said.

"Just by being on the field he gives our players confidence because he wants the ball all the time.

"He's special, he's a good player and players of all clubs should enjoy watching him, but maybe the Sydney supporters aren't happy tonight, but that's life,"

Mariners skipper Alex Wilkinson continued Perez would offer plenty as he gets match fitness.

"I think you saw tonight. He's got a lot of flair, he's a great attacking player, he looks to always set up players, put them in holes.

"That's just the start of him, he's still probably not match fit, but it was a fantastic debut and hopefully it can continue for him."

Central Coast's next match is at home to Melbourne Victory on Friday night.