City will be looking to solidify third position on the table when they travel to Auckland to play the Wellington Phoenix on Saturday afternoon. Ahead of the match, we take a look at the numbers between two of the key attackers, Daniel Arzani and Roy Krishna.
Both Daniel Arzani and Roy Krishna have played pivotal roles in their respective attacking thirds this season. While Arzani thrives on the wing as he attacks the back four with his dancing feet, Krishna prefers to play more centrally as the go-to figure in the ‘Nix attack.
Since joining Wellington in 2014, the Fijian international has been a consistent performer for the team from New Zealand. This season has been no different, with the striker making 20 appearances.
In contrast, Arzani has featured in 15 games, including 12 starts, since he earned a place in Warren Joyce’s senior squad after a string of standout performances in the Y-League.
In terms of distribution, the City winger has excelled. Arzani has made 369 passes so far this season, travelling at an impressive pass success rate of 78%.
The 19-year-old’s attacking mindset is proven in his pass direction percentage, with 21.1% of his passes travelling directly forwards and 50.2% travelling either down the right or left wing.
Similarly, Krishna also likes to drive the ball forwards. The 30-year-old has attempted 438 passes this season, travelling at a pass success rate of 69.6%. The forward has played 26.7% of his passes forward, 34.0% left and 13.9% right, showing his tendency to use the left wing.
Both players have demonstrated their potency in the attacking third and their ability to deliver a dangerous cross into the penalty area this season.
The Wellington forward has made 29 key passes, including nine successful crosses and five assists. In five less games than his opponent, the City youngster has been equally as dangerous, having registered 21 key passes, including seven successful crosses and three assists.
When it comes to finding the back of the net, both players have displayed their ability to fire a shot past the goalkeeper and hit the scoreboard.
The numbers suggest that Arzani is most threatening in front of goal when he is inside the penalty box. The City winger has registered 10 shots on target and two goals – both goals coming inside the box on his right foot.
During his time in the A-League, Krishna has showcased his versatility in front of goal, with this season being no different. The Fijian has registered 20 shots on target and scored four goals. Of his four goals, one has come on his left foot and the other three on his right; he has also scored one goal from outside the penalty area.
The attacking threat of both players has seen them fouled on numerous occasions, with Krishna having won 38 fouls and Arzani 35.
Defensively, both players have shown their ability to read the play with the number of interceptions they have made. Arzani has made seven interceptions so far this season, as Krishna has made eight interceptions, two blocks and five clearances.
With both teams looking to finish the regular season on a high, Saturday afternoon’s clash is set to be one of attacking entertainment as two of the league’s most threatening attackers go head-to-head.
City face Wellington at QBE Stadium on Saturday afternoon, kick-off 5:35pm (AEDT), before hosting an Elimination Final at AAMI Park on Friday 20 April.
