Western Sydney Wanderers have hit back after last week’s demoralising Sydney Derby loss to defeat a nine-man Central Coast Mariners 2-0 on Saturday night in yet another game marred by VAR controversy.
Keanu Baccus – 8
The teenager was ultra-impressive in midfield. He shifts the ball quickly and holds the midfield together with confidence. He’s quick to jump onto a pass or loose ball and get rid of it just as quickly to set a play into motion. The younger Baccus combined with Roly Bonevacia well and deserves to keep his spot for next week, if not for the rest of the season.
Roly Bonevacia – 7
Played yet another great game in midfield. He was the attacking outlet to offset Keanu Baccus’ holding midfielder role and almost always plays a forward pass.
Alvaro Cejudo – 7
Scorer of the Wanderer’s second goal and active in trying to breach the final third with some nice passes to front three.
Mark Bridge (C) – 8
Showed his experience to set up the opener, cutting inside on his right boot to open a clear path to feed in Santalab, all the while shoving off an opposition. This carried throughout the match as he continued to make smart decisions and valued possession.
Jumpei Kusukami – 6
Was a willing runner all night and combined in moves down the flank but lacked that final edge to create a shot or send in a killer final ball.

Brendon Santalab – 7
Justified his position as the right selection to lead the line as opposed to Lachlan Scott last week. Santalab scored a neat long-ranged goal to give the Wanderers the first half lead and then laid a tidy ball for Cejudo to bury and double the lead.
SUBS
Kearyn Baccus – 5
Threw himself into the game and into a few contests in the last 20-odd minutes. He was central to the second red card VAR controversy when Jake McGing clipped him in a duel.
Oriol Riera – 5
Returned after missing a few games and played just under half an hour.
Jack Clisby – N/A
You wouldn’t have known he came on amongst all the VAR furore at the time.

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