Wellington Phoenix W vs Melbourne City W Match Recap - Jan 10, 2026

Melbourne City W Continues Their Dominance Over Wellington Phoenix W with a 2-1 Victory

Melbourne City W's victory over Wellington Phoenix W marks their continued dominance in the A-League Women, extending their unbeaten run against the Phoenix to three matches. This win solidifies City's position in the upper echelons of the league, now sitting comfortably in second place with 16 points from eight matches. Their recent form has been impressive, with five wins in their last six outings, showcasing a blend of tactical discipline and attacking flair.

Wellington Phoenix W's recent resurgence hit a snag as they fell short against City, despite a commendable performance. The Phoenix had shown promise with back-to-back victories prior to this match, including a stunning 7-0 win against Sydney FC. However, their inability to convert chances into goals against a resilient City side highlights the ongoing struggle for consistency that has plagued them throughout the season. With only 12 points from eight matches, they remain in fifth place, needing to find a way to turn potential into points.

Hannah Wilkinson emerged as a key figure for Melbourne City, continuing her scoring streak with another goal that underscores her importance to the team's attacking unit. Her ability to find space and capitalize on opportunities has been pivotal in City's recent success. Alongside her, Katrina Gorry orchestrated play from midfield, providing the necessary creativity and vision that allowed City to dictate the tempo of the match. This dynamic duo has been instrumental in City's pursuit of the top spot in the league.

Wellington's Gabi Rennie, who had been in fine form leading up to this match, struggled to make an impact against City's organized defense. Despite her previous scoring exploits, including three goals in her last two games, she found it difficult to break through. This inconsistency reflects the broader challenges faced by the Phoenix as they seek to establish themselves as serious contenders in the league. The pressure is mounting for them to deliver results consistently, especially after such a promising start to the season.

The tactical battle between the two sides revealed contrasting styles. Melbourne City maintained a slight edge in possession, allowing them to control the game and create high-quality chances. Wellington's reliance on quick transitions and pressing tactics was evident but ultimately fell short against City's disciplined approach. The Phoenix must find a way to adapt and exploit defensive lapses if they hope to compete effectively against top-tier teams.

Looking ahead, Wellington Phoenix W faces a crucial match against Canberra United W, where they will need to regroup and refocus. The stakes are high as they aim to reclaim momentum and avoid slipping further down the standings. Meanwhile, Melbourne City W will look to build on this victory as they prepare for their next encounter against Newcastle Jets FC W, aiming to maintain their position near the top of the table.

This match serves as a reminder of the fine margins that separate success from failure in competitive football. For Wellington, it is a wake-up call; for Melbourne, it is a confirmation of their title aspirations. The narrative continues as both teams navigate the challenges of the A-League Women season, with each match shaping their respective journeys toward glory.