In a half-hour cameo, Jack Rodwell showed why he could be just about anything for Western Sydney Wanderers. Anything from a sensation, to a problem or another disappointment.
The man once valued at almost $30 million came ever so close to scoring a stunning solo goal for the Wanderers in their 2-2 draw with Newcastle on Sunday night. He also came close to being sent off. But to the naked eye, he never looked close to breaking out of a jog.
Jack Rodwell runs the ball toward goal during the A-Leagues men’s match against Newcastle at CommBank Stadium.Credit:Getty Images
The former England international’s second match in a Wanderers shirt showed plenty of promise with the ball at his feet but left plenty wanting with his work rate in the engine room. If he is seeking to vanquish the stigma from his ill-fated stint at Sunderland, Wanderers supporters may need more convincing.
“Jack Rodwell is a top, top player, we know that and we are very lucky to have him. I think you see in the short glimpses he’s been on the pitch that he probably should have, could have scored two goals today,” Wanderers’ coach Carl Robinson said.
How the biggest name to play for the club fits in its rejuvenation is just one part of the intrigue that will envelop the Wanderers in the coming weeks. Against the Jets, they looked every part the work in progress. While energetic in attack, they still lacked cohesion. Stoic in defence but short of organisation.
They began the match on the back foot and gifted the visitors an early goal. A clumsy challenge from Rhys Williams on Olivier Boumal gave Newcastle a penalty, converted coolly by Georgian striker Beka Mikeltadze.
Beka Mikeltadze celebrates scoring a goal for the Jets.Credit:Getty Images
After attacking in hope rather than purpose, it was a moment of individual brilliance that brought them level. Former Jet Bernie Ibini twisted the knife into his old club with an early contender for goal of the season. Pouncing on a meek clearance from Matt Jurman, he struck a powerful volley into the bottom corner to make it 1-1.
Whatever was said by Robinson at the break sparked a better response from the Wanderers who stole the lead minutes after the restart. Striker Tomer Hemed dispossessed former Wanderer Kosta Grozos to dribble his way into the box and with an emphatic strike, rattled the top corner of the net.
Rodwell comes close to stealing win as Wanderers draw with Jets
Source: Philippines Alive
