Adelaide United were dynamic and energetic – but Perth’s perils could have been exploited by just about anybody.

Here’s how the players rated.

PERTH GLORY

Liam Reddy – 6 - Looked lost against Diawara in the air, spilled the third goal, and didn’t offer much else.        

Jeremy Walker – 7 - Bags of pace and some nifty cutbacks to boot, Perth’s most impressive player in the first half.

Alex Grant - 6 - Aerially out-muscled and patchy, but determined and hard-working nevertheless.

Jacob Poscoliero – 5.5 - Drawn out of position regularly and fouled foolishly.  

Joseph Mills – 6.5 - Another fast, determined fullback, who had little support. Summed it up by shooting from 35 yards, and coming close.    

Andreu Mayoral – 4 - He was given the job to track Daniel Adlung and had no clue, completely at fault for the first goal. He then threw himself into a tackle studs up minutes later. Some smart runs but poor distribution saw him withdrawn at half-time.

Chris Harold – 6.5 - Aggressive in possession, but forced to drop deep too often. Lacked decisiveness in the second half.        

Jake Brimmer – 7 - Left his defence exposed to press ineffectively in the first, but he was much more assured with the ball, and was very quick in transition in the second half.        

Jacob Italiano – 7 - Bursting runs, full of energy and constantly found dangerous positions but lacked composure. Didn’t receive communication, nor support from his fellow forwards.    

Diego Castro – 7.5 - Clever as usual, full of spark and dragged his younger teammates into the match at every opportunity.     

Andy Keogh – 5 - Almost invisible in the first half, Taggart couldn’t return quickly enough.       

Adam Taggart – 6.5 - Allowed Castro to pick the ball up deeper by giving Perth more solidity in possession, which was a double-edged sword. Could have scored late with some fantastic build-up play.

Joe Knowles – 6 - Couldn’t contribute as a sub, looked stunted and slow.

 Callum Timmins – 6.5 – Late introduction, but was sharp and agile. 

ADELAIDE UNITED

Daniel Margush - 7 - Very strong hands and general physique, looks to be built like a brick proverbial.

Michael Marrone – 7 - Grew in confidence, while Castro and Italiano targeted his side. Apart from a couple of cheap giveaways, performed very solidly and eventually exploited Italiano's youth.    

Ryan Strain – 7 - Very tidy and made excellent decisions, but lacked regular involvement in the second half, as Kitto was everywhere.     

Jordan Elsey – 7.5 - Quick, clean and concise to deal with crosses, but wasn’t overly challenged. Although inconsistent, he's beginning to look like a very capable central defender.  

Ersan Gülüm - 7.5 – Oppressive strength and ability, but late to react. Very important in organising and setting the tempo for Adelaide's younger players, who defended stoutly.   

   

Isaías – 8 - Drifted in and out throughout the first half, but was excellent in possession, and played a key role in Adelaide’s second. Thoroughly deserved man of the match, although Gulum tried to steal it.

Nathan Konstandopoulos – 7.5 - Faced a lot of pressure upon Adlung’s exit, and dealt with it brilliantly. Upon Absalonsen’s introduction, he pressed forward and scored a fantastic goal.      

 

 

Daniel Adlung – 7.5 - Started purposefully and was gifted a reward, slotting his second of the season clinically with no one around him. Big blow for United that he was withdrawn early with a back injury.

Papa Baba Diawara – 6.5 - Drifted wide and was heavily involved, knocking important flick-ons and holding play strongly. Missed some chances, but was quizzically withdrawn at half-time.

Ryan Kitto - 7.5 - Inconsistent distribution couldn’t match his penetrating runs, which were very impressive.

Nikola Mileusnic – 6 - Lacked end product, and couldn’t express himself like Kitto.

Jordan O’Doherty – 6 - Among the flood of Adelaide youngsters bustling around the pitch, he integrated fluidly, yet was rarely involved.

Johan Absalonsen – 7 - Played a large part in the second goal, allowed Adelaide greater freedom going forward and justified his introduction. Pounced on Reddy’s mistake to score the third.