Adelaide United vs Western Sydney Wanderers Player Ratings

This league is completely bonkers. Western Sydney Wanderers beat Adelaide United 3-2 at Hindmarsh Stadium. What more do you want to know?

ADELAIDE UNITED

Paul Izzo - 5.5

Pulled off a fantastic save from a corner and was caught out a little too easily from a cross.

A reasonably solid performance ended on a series of horror clearances and two more goals, as Izzo appeared to lose the ability to pass for the final half hour.

Ryan Strain - 6.5

A little bit obvious at times, playing the usual ball whether it was on or not. Still, his defensive flank was a lot less exciting than Maria's, so that's a plus for the fullback.

Michaël Maria - 7

Bursting runs in a very interesting battle with Mo Adam, as the Dutchman appeared to surge in confidence as the match wore on.

Jordan Elsey - 6.5

When he wasn't clashing heads with teammates he was a defensive rock, clearing corners, free-kicks and pulling off interceptions with ease.

But his passing is so inconsistent it's not funny.

Michael Jakobsen - 7.5

Together he and Elsey make a formidable centreback partnership. So why has Adelaide conceded as many goals as they have this season?

Weird little switch-offs and suceptibility to counter-attacks are quickly becoming their trademark.

Louis D'Arrigo - 7

The wunderkind had an average first half, giving the ball away in some very dangerous positions. But he's a hard tackler and times his impositions perfectly.

George Blackwood - 6.5

It's long been the adage - at least among those who like him - that he does everything but score. He was resposible for a beautiful tap-around finish in the first half, but no surprises it was straight to the keeper.

He then faded from the match, before tucking away his penalty beautifully, almost surprisingly so. He deserves a lot of plaudits for that.

Oh, but then he missed one right at the whistle didn't he? Minus 1? Bloody hell. What a match.

James Troisi - 7

He was heavily involved in Adelaide's attacking exploits, setting the play well and orchestrating reasonably effectively.

Al Hassan Toure - 7

Very heavily involved and great to see him back on the scoresheet after a layoff.

Hopefully it builds more confidence in the lad, because it appears as if he backs himself inconsistently, and at the wrong moments. Skewed a couple of clear goal-scoring through balls.

Ben Halloran - 6

His first touch went missing, then his head, then his temper in an altercation with Mitch Duke. A bit of a strange first half from the former Socceroo didn;t get much better ater that.

Nikola Mileusnic - 7

Like Toure, very involved. He makes beautiful runs, he can take a player on confidently. He set-up the first goal magnificently.

But his finishing left a lot to be desired, which arguably cost his team more than he helped create.

SUBS

Ryan Kitto - 6.5

Once again, a poor reflection on the depth in Adelaide that a nominal fullback is their greatest attacking attribute off the bench. Did as much as he could.

WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS

Daniel Lopar - 7.5

A fantastic first half from the Wanderers keeper saw the Swiss veteran save three clear goals, plus a hatful of half chances.

He did it all in his weird behind-the-line style as well, which is great if you're playing away and want to piss off the home fans.

Tate Russell - 5.5

He was more effective defensively than offensively...and he wasn't that effective defensively.

Daniel Georgievski - 6.5

Couldn't show his quality - bombed forward at times but not as involved as he has been in past seasons.

Then he looked so nervous awaiting that VAR call...for no reason. He was clearly not making himself bigger. Bloody hell.

Patrick Ziegler - 6

He improved as the match wore on and became a defensive force towards the end, squashing Adelaide's hope.

But then he lost his head clumsily, running in on Toure when the striker was facing away from goal to concede a stupid penalty.

Matthew Jurman - 7

His output wasn't as demonstrative as he may have liked, but still, not a whole lot to fault.

Keanu Baccus - 7

He lacked a little in that midfield battle with Troisi, allowing Adelaide to boss the majority of attacking impetus at times.

But he recovered, like the rest of his team, to play a key role in Western Sydney's ability to hold out the match.

Nicolai Müller - 7.5

Scored a fantastic goal, brilliant glancing header off a sumptuous counter, and then was absolutely awful for the rest of the first half. Painful to watch.

The amount of clear on-goal passes he stuffed up was mesmerisingly upsetting. Then he scored again, an even better header than the first. Absolutely clinical.

Who'd rate players? Ridiculous job.

Pirmin Schwegler - 7

A brilliant first half, punctuated by the occasional misdirected rifle on goal and a few choice swearwords at the referee.

Mitchell Duke - 7

He was very reliable and generally important in that first half. Personally, didn't think there was much in that kick-out love tap. Toughen up Halloran.

Alexander Meier - 4

Ghost of Christmas past.

Mohamed Adam - 7

It was just desserts to see him steal a goal, especially given Adelaide's weakness on the counter.

I'd like to see more of him as he provides a spark but he's probably not a top half of the table winger. Yet.