Berisha, who has been in the media this week with questions about his form, answered his critics in emphatic fashion to jump to the front of the Golden Boot race.

The Albanian turned on a masterclass to score a tap-in off his left boot (32'), a header (66') and one off his right boot (82') to give Western Sydney another battering at the hands of Victory.

The result sees the Big V (with a game in hand) move within a point of second placed City and sets up a tantalising Melbourne derby next week.

Wanderers remain in 6th place but in danger of being overtaken by Perth Glory who are still to play.

Tony Popovic will wonder how his team went into the break a goal down after squandering a host of chances - a couple falling to Brendon Santalab.

But a goalkeeping error in the first half gifted a far more clinical Victory the opener on 32 minutes.

Wanderers were relentless after the restart as they went in search of the equaliser with Mitch Nichols and particularly Nico Martinez proving a handful for the Victory defence. 

But the second goal by Berisha knocked much of the fight out of the home side and Victory went on to a comfortable win.

GOALS

0-1 Besart Berisha, Victory, 31’

The excellent Maxi Beister unleashed a left-footed long range curling drive that was parried by Wanderers keeper Andrew Redmayne straight into the path of an oncoming Berisha to slot home.

0-2 Besart Berisha, Victory, 65’

Sub Jai Ingham’s brilliant flat cross from the right found Berisha’s head and between two central defenders “Bes” powered home his team’s second as he went to the away fans to celebrate.

0-3 Besart Berisha, Victory, 82’

The hero of the night was put through and he out-muscled two defenders, keeping the ball brilliantly before curling home from inside the box past Redmayne.

KEY MOMENT

Just minutes after conceding the opening goal, Brendon Santalab had the goal at his mercy but his diving header went straight into the arms of Victory keeper Lawrence Thomas. It so easily could’ve been 1-1 and perhaps a different game.