Brendon Santalab gave the Wanderers the early advantage with a fantastic strike following some poor marking from Wellington.

The Wanderers are so close to becoming the complete package. Kearyn Baccus, Roly Bonevacia and Marcelo Carrusca are a supremely talented midfield with the perfect balance of strength, speed and skill.

If each plays to their potential – which could be a bridge too far for the ageing Carrusca – they could be the most effective midfield three in the league.

Josep Gombau’s side also look quick, forcing Jack Clisby and Raul Llorente to stream forward when there’s space to do so, the complete antithesis of Wellington.

For the first 70 minutes, Phoenix were timid and laborious, playing defensively and without clear purpose at home, which explained the stunted atmosphere around Westpac Stadium.

As the Wanderers slowed, Wellington sparked and Matija Ljujic rescued his side with a piece of brilliance. The crowd reacted and for the final 15 minutes, the place was electric.