Melbourne City earned a massive win in their trip to Wellington to protect their four-point lead over the Wanderers, who themselves dominated rivals Macarthur FC to get their campaign back on track.
The league leaders came out on top against the Phoenix in the A-League’s tenth round, as Western Sydney combined perfectly to snap their three-match winless streak with a maiden derby triumph over the Bulls.
Similarly, Adelaide United and Sydney FC recorded some necessary victories over Perth and Arthur Papas’ Newcastle side, respectively, to restore their form.
Melbourne Victory’s woes continued with a loss to Central Coast, while Western United rescued a point against Brisbane, thanks in large to former PAOK striker Aleksandar Prijovic.
Adelaide Utd-Perth Glory 2-0
The Reds delivered a vital win in front of their home fans on Monday evening, bagging their first three points since the league recommenced following the World Cup.
The South Australians pulled ahead 40 minutes in following a failed clearance of a cross, with centre half Lachlan Barr heading the ball into the net as a result.
Adelaide winger Ben Halloran sealed the points after finishing off teammate’s Zach Clough’s pass across goal with ease (72′).
Reds captain Craig Goodwin was delighted to see his team get back to winning ways after their sluggish form of late.
“I think from the first three results, since we’ve come back from the break, we could have easily fallen into a negative mindset,” Goodwin said to Paramount+ post-match.
“But the mindset and the group have been positive, always thinking: ‘Can we play forward?’ and our intention is to play good football and we did that tonight.”
Wellington Phoenix-Melbourne City 1-3
The reigning premiers have started the new year with a huge away win as they continue to strive for a third straight premiership.
The New Zealanders opened the scoring after frontman David Ball expertly flicked the ball behind himself and into the goal (16′), though the visitors responded almost instantly with an equaliser via a header from Mathew Leckie (18′).
City striker and league top scorer Jamie Maclaren then buried his penalty into the bottom right corner to give his team the lead (51′) before securing his brace in the dying minutes with a tap-in goal set up perfectly by teammate Andrew Nabbout (90+6′).
Wellington forward Kosta Barbarouses created some good opportunities after coming on in the 52nd minute, but he was unable to help them grab the elusive equaliser.
Western Sydney-Macarthur FC 4-0
The Paramatta club thumped the Campbelltown outfit on Sunday evening to earn their first win over them since they were introduced into the league.
Western Sydney started strongly as former Panathinaikos winger Yeni Ngbakoto’s free kick took a deflection to glide past the wrongfooted Bulls goalkeeper, Filip Kurto (16′).
Midfielder Oliver Bozanic made it two soon after with a delightful long shot into the left side of the goal, first lifting it up with his foot before hitting it on the volley.
Wanderers winger Brandon Borrello struck next with a finish into the bottom right (70′) and Ramy Najjarine sealed their emphatic success with a powerful penalty down the middle (88′).
Macarthur centre back Jonathan Aspropotamitis played the whole game, receiving a yellow card (24′) as well in what was a poor defensive display by the Bulls.
Newcastle Jets-Sydney FC 0-2
The Sky Blues recovered from a Christmas Eve disaster with a crucial New Year’s Day triumph over the Jets on Sunday afternoon.
Sydney went in front following an excellent cross into the box by left Diego Caballo which was volleyed in with composure by veteran striker Adam Le Fondre (37′).
Forward Robert Mak doubled their lead four minutes later in what proved to be the final decisive moment of the match.
Newcastle midfielder Kosta Grozos played the first 65 minutes of the contest.
Sydney coach Steve Corica was thrilled with his side’s performance, particularly in defence as they went a whole match without conceding for the first time in all competitions since last April.
“A lot of positive to take from that, but to start the year with a clean sheet and three points, that is the most important thing for me,” Mr Corica said to media post-match.
Central Coast-Melbourne Victory 2-1
A double from marksman Jason Cummings guided the Mariners to their third win in their last four outings on Saturday night.
Cummings scored his first in the 11th minute when right back Storm Roux sent a wonderful cross in for the striker to head into the bottom right.
Victory equalised shortly before the half time break through left back Enrique Lopez Fernandez, who struck the ball sweetly into the top left corner (39′).
Cummings then stepped up with another header, this time from close range, after teammate Brian Kaltak set the ball up perfectly for him to knock it in following a corner delivery (53′).
Victory forward Chris Ikonomidis came off 29 minutes into the contest, with Nathan Konstandopoulos also coming off the bench late (84′).
Young defender Nectarios Triantis played the first 67 minutes in the heart of Central Coast’s defence.
Western Utd-Brisbane Roar 1-1
A late equaliser from Aleksandar Prijovic was enough to save the Melbourne outfit from a disappointing home loss on Friday evening.
The Queenslanders broke through first with a well-worked team goal that was finished off by winger Carlo Armiento for his second goal in as many games (28′).
Western defender Josh Risdon delivered a ball into the box which Prijovic managed to head into the bottom left (78′), forcing each side to settle for a draw as a result.
A-League Ladder (teams with a game in hand)
1-Melbourne City: 22 (9)
2-Western Sydney: 18
3-Central Coast: 16
4-Adelaide Utd: 15
5-Macarthur FC: 14
6-Sydney FC: 13
7-Brisbane Roar: 12 (9)
8-Newcastle Jets: 12
9-Wellington Phoenix: 11
10-Western Utd: 11
11-Melbourne Victory: 10 (9)
12-Perth Glory: 7 (9)
