For the first time this season Sydney FC fans didn't wait for the final whistle before heading down the aisles. A match that began with so much promise ended with the unfamiliar feeling – this season, at least – of defeat as the Sky Blues lost a match they had controlled almost completely.

Fatigued and frustrated after failing to turn on-field dominance into goals, Sydney succumbed to two late sucker punches from Nathan Burns, who did his best to stake his claim for a place in the 2015 Asian Cup squad. The Wellington Phoenix striker scored a superb solo effort before finishing with the composure that will make it difficult for Ange Postecoglou to justify an omission from his next Socceroos squad.

Oh no: Sydney FC's Shane Smeltz reacts after failing to convert a goal chance. Credit:Getty Images

More immediately, it's clear that the January sales can't come soon enough for Sydney FC, who are now winless in four games and in danger of letting their stellar start to the season slip away. Their superb play in the midfield was again at the forefront of the game but with a lack of pace and dynamic players to look for in the forward line, converting possession into chances remained a hope more than an ever-present threat.

"Look, it's a hiccup, definitely. I'm a fighter and I"ll be working harder than ever and the boys have to work harder and they have to fight harder. If there's some that don't then they'll probably move on," Graham Arnold said.