As far as solitary wins go, it doesn't get much better than disassembling the Asian champions.

But last week's shock upset of Guangzhou Evergrande is the only victory David Carney has tasted since switching to Sydney FC.

Having shunned overseas interest and moved down from Newcastle with high hopes for A-League silverware, one would think the club's recent results vacuum must surely be frustrating for their most recent recruit.

The Sky Blues haven't won a single domestic match since before Carney rejoined his first A-League side in early February, intent on pursuing a higher-calibre group of teammates under coach Graham Arnold.

While that seven-game void has hurled the Sky Blues out of the top six, it's almost ironic that a Carney-less Newcastle have gone on a mini-revival with their own mid-season signings.

Scott Miller's Jets are now only one spot and four points behind seventh-placed Sydney on the table.

Still, Sydney are only one point shy of sixth-placed Perth, and have a chance to improve their prospects against Wellington at home on Saturday.

And Carney says he couldn't be happier with where he's ended up - working alongside "class players" and under excellent coaching.

Where critics cite a form slump, he points to the impressive display against Guangzhou.

Where they denounce character, he recalls the gritty 1-1 draw against Melbourne Victory two weeks ago - he scored the equaliser with 10 men.

"We've got a lot of experience that's played in the top levels in Europe and a lot of quality young ones. I still believe that," Carney said.

"And the way we train is that high level, which is where Graham Arnold's been before - he's managed at the highest level.

"When I first came in here, I meant it that the standard of players and quality of coaching (is high), and it's still there - nothing's changed.

"There's been a lot of positives since I've been here.

"You beat the Asian champions - you don't get much bigger than that.

"We've got a good run coming to the end of the season with our A-League fixtures, so there's positives and a lot of points to be grabbed.

"If people are writing us off, hopefully we can prove them wrong ... we can still go on and win the championship."

There are things to improve, Carney admits.

A rare early goal would be nice, and might provide the confidence to keep possession in matches where they've fallen short.

As a senior forward he feels he can help in that department, especially with skipper Alex Brosque out of the picture.

"I want to go into every game wanting to make a mark," Carney said.

"It's just something built in me."