‘They can’t score can they, these strikers?’ – How Glory's defence is outshining their star-studded attack

Despite Perth Glory's bounty of attacking riches, it’s their defenders who are getting the job done at both ends to lead Glory's rise back up the Hyundai A-League table.

Glory are undergoing a turnaround in form having won their last two games to firmly entrench themselves in the top six.

Tony Popovic’s side have kept consecutive clean sheets scoring five goals in the process; three of which having come from central defenders.

Alex Grant and Gregory Wütrich took their turn to impact the scoresheet in Glory’s most recent win – a 2-0 victory over Western Sydney Wanderers at HBF Park on Saturday night – and Grant had a cheeky message for Glory’s strikers in the aftermath of the game.

“They can’t score can they, these strikers?” Grant joked on FOX Sports after the win.

“It sat up nicely for me... as soon as I took the touch I had a feeling it was going in.

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“It just sat up so perfectly for me and really just putting it past the keeper was the main thing for me to do.

“We knew with the conditions tonight that if we could control the game without the ball in times and passages it would be a massive part of the game and lead to getting the result.

“The boys were solid again at the back and all the way through the team.

“There are things we need to work on still to keep improving but we are looking forward to next week now and the focus is on that.”

Grant played in a back three against the Wanderers with Wütrich and Tomislav Mrcela by his side for the second week in a row, and the defensive combination proved fruitful once again for the Glory.

Mrcela got a goal of his own last weekend in his first outing of the season against Melbourne City, while Wütrich’s goal against the Wanderers followed up his strike against City which resulted in a Harrison Delbridge own goal.

Wütrich is only nine games into his first Hyundai A-League campaign, but the Swiss defender says he’s already adapted to Australian life – and the searing heat – and is reaping the rewards of feeling settled in his new environment.

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“It was a very good night,” Wütrich told FOX Sports.

“My brother came here two days ago all the way from Switzerland, I am very happy I scored a goal for him today and that we won our first home game.

“It was hot... but I think I’m used to it now because I’ve been here three months now.

“It was a good game because we knew it would be hot but we did a good job.

“I’m happy that we kept a clean sheet again, that is important for us as defenders.

"We are very happy and now we have to continue like that.”

“Now, it is (on to) the next game.

“We want to win again, and again get a clean sheet.”

Wütrich and Grant will be aiming to combine for another imperious defensive display when Glory host Newcastle Jets at HBF Park next Saturday night (7:30pm AEDT).

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