Wellington Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano Photo: AAP / Photosport
The Wellington Phoenix's unbeaten start to 2026 has come to an end.
The Phoenix have been beaten 4-1 at the Newcastle Jets.
The Jets led 1-0 at half-time after scoring their opener just one minute into the game.
Newcastle then added another two in the second half before the Phoenix were able to respond when new Norwegian attacking midfielder Sander Kartum scored just a handful of minutes into his club and A-League debut.
Wellington remain eighth, two points outside the top six, while the result moves Newcastle level with Auckland FC at the top of the ladder.
Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano was disappointed with the final result.
"Always disappointed when we lose, especially when it was pretty even in terms of big chances created," Italiano said.
"It was a 50-50 game in terms of possession, we just got punished for some sloppy defending.
"But in fairness they probably deserved the points."
Corban Piper of Wellington Phoenix Photo: AAP / Photosport
Italiano doesn't believe his side has taken a step backwards after two wins and a draw to start the year.
"If we didn't make any chances, we got torched 4-1 and we weren't in the game then I would be a little bit worried.
"On a better day honestly it could have been four-all. If we defend a little bit better we could have won the game 4-3.
"I'm still positive with how the team played in certain periods."
Italiano named the same eleven which started Sunday's 2-0 win over Sydney FC and included Kartum on the bench following his arrival from Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts.
The Phoenix play Melbourne City at home next Friday.
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