Mitchell Duke's captain performance

Although the arrival of Alexander Meier was expected to mean he’d be the man to lead the line for the Wanderers, Duke showed that he may be the real goal threat this season.

The forward was a constant presence in the final third, either getting at the end of attacks or supporting it by coming in deep. Whenever Western Sydney looked threatening, Duke was central to it.

Since joining earlier this year, he has scored six – and if he continues playing like he did yesterday, that tally is set to soar before the year is over.

While Meier might be the focal point given his lanky stature, it’s clear that at 36, his legs aren’t what they used to be when he won the Bundesliga Golden Boot. Indeed, it wasn’t much of surprise when he was hauled off the field with 30 minutes to go.

Duke on the other hand, showed an urgency to take the win in their game back at Wanderland. It took courage to step up late in the game to take that penalty following another long, typical VAR wait. It took belief to throw his body to block a goal-bound shot in the final moments of the match. Duke might just be the leader and captain the Wanderers have been crying out for all this time.

It is the supply towards Duke, that will be the worry for Markus Babbel. Following the injury to Radoslaw Majewski, it was clear in this game that the midfield lacks the decisiveness in the final third to really make their opportunities count. Should Babbel find the answer to their midfield issue, though, you can be sure that Duke is ready to lead Western Sydney to glory.

Mariners – unfortunate or not good enough?

Although Alen Stajcic says his team beat Western Sydney in every aspect of the game, his team still came short once again.

Although the new coach is confident that his team will enjoy a better season, but we are yet to be sure whether his team was truly unlucky today or if they lack the quality to make this season meaningful.

Central Coast were far better than the dreadfulness they showed at times last season, and they might see the two goals -- conceded off a corner and a penalty -- as unfortunate circumstances.

The introduction of Samuel Silvera did open things up a bit more Alen Stajcic’s side as he provided some energy and looked especially threatening on counter-attacks. It makes you wonder why Central Coast’s most impressive player in pre-season was left on the bench for the opening match.

Next comes the F3 Derby against the Newcastle Jets, and they will need to start showing the improvements that Stajcic keeps raving about if they are to take anything away from it.