Ryan Kitto’s two goals delivered the three points for Adelaide to put them fourth on the ladder, but the result could’ve been greater had the Reds buried numerous first half chances.

The Wanderers found themselves a man down after 21 minutes when Robbie Cornthwaite was shown a second yellow handling the ball in the penalty area; a decision given by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) after the fact.

Baba Diawara missed the resultant spot-kick but Kitto would later score the opener before the interval, yet not without controversy as it appeared Diawara interfered with play from an offside position in the moment before Kitto scored.

The VAR studied the case and allowed the goal to stand despite Diawara clearly being involved in play while offside.

Brendan Hamill’s elementary mistake in the second half allowed Nikola Mileusnic and Kitto to combine for Adelaide’s second goal, while Ben Garuccio was sent off late for a tackle on Roly Bonevacia – a verdict which, once more, was influenced by the VAR.

ADELAIDE UNITED

Paul Izzo – 6

Was hardly called upon in the first half and shoddily saved a long Sotirio shot in the second. It seems he’s been given the directive to grow into a sweeper-keeper role; a few times he came well out of his area but would clear the ball straight up in the air.

Ryan Strain – 7

Had a great debut at right-back in place of Michael Marrone. A few good early touches got his confidence up and he made the most of it. Supporting runs up the flank, balls through for Mileusnic and solid defending made it a good showing. One to watch.

Jordan Elsey – 7

Visibly improving as a defender. His one-on-one defending outside the penalty area and covering for teammates are his best strengths. Looked composed.

Ersan Gulum – 6

The leader in defence, he got caught high too many times as Western Sydney’s speedsters broke into the space behind the Reds’ defence. Gulum pushes so high that he was the last to track back to defend the counters. Likes playing a pass out of the back. Brownie points for his Cruyff turn.

Ben Garuccio – 6

One of his better recent games, unfortunately tarnished by a red card for a reckless tackle on Bonevacia. After some wayward crossing in his past few games, they were all on point in this match. Lovely balls for Mileusnic twice in the first half could’ve put Adelaide up by two goals. Was threatening from high positions.

Isaias (c) – 6.5

The midfield sweeper; Isaias steered the play from the middle and sets Adelaide up with basic but effective work. His modus operandi is to collect the ball, find some space for himself, settle things down and usually hit Daniel Adlung or Karim Matmour with a short ball to take over.

Daniel Adlung – 6.5

A great director of traffic in midfield, everything Adelaide did in the first half went through the German. His influence diminished in the second half.

Karim Matmour – 6.5

Scurrying around the edge of the box, he’s settling into his role within the team but as Andy Harper said on TV commentary, “he still has a lot more to give”. He set up the Ryan Kitto opening goal with a nice cross to the box.

Ryan Kitto – 8

It’s always a bonus to have a young, goal scoring winger – especially when your strikers are struggling. Kitto finally opened Adelaide’s account in first half stoppage time, slipping it below the ‘keeper on an angle. He was on hand to slide in the second goal after a Wanderer’s defensive mishap and handled it coolly. He could’ve had a hat-trick has his earlier effort not bounced off the post.

Nikola Mileusnic – 7.5

The winger has aa crafty ability to get himself into good positions but missed two great opportunities in the first half, both from Garuccio’s crosses: one mistimed side-foot and the next from a header. His speed was best on show when he was the first to pounce on Hamill’s defensive error and assisted Kitto’s second goal.

Baba Diawara – 5

Diawara missed the penalty given to Adelaide by the VAR when he hit the post, then got extremely lucky the officials didn’t disallow Adelaide’s eventual opener – he clearly interfered with play from an offside position. Saw 71 minutes.

Mark Ochieng – 5.5

Came on for Ryan Strain after 59 minutes and took over at right-back.

George Blackwood – 6

One of his first involvements was to unsuccessfully chip Vedran Janjetovic. The young striker showed an ability to break past defenders heading into the penalty area.

Nathan Konstandopoulos – N/A

Replaced Karim Matmour after 75 minutes; had little impact.

WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS

Vedran Janjetovic – 6.5

Made some great stops from close range on Mileusnic, and was brave coming off his line to smother a point-blank shot from Ryan Kitto. Anticipates the play well coming off his line.

Josh Risdon – 6.5

Struggled with some of Ben Garuccio’s runs down his side of the field and probably let the Red get too many good crosses into the area for his liking. The first goal was also scored through his side of defence. He did well when he tucked inside the box and looked better than full-back partner Llorente on the attack.

Robbie Cornthwaite (c) – 3

His existence in the game is whittled down to his two yellow cards. One hefty hip-and-shoulder to Daniel Adlung followed by a second yellow for handball in the box. He went off in a huff and perhaps rightly so, for his second yellow was quite harsh.

Michael Thwaite – 6

Was the unfortunate soul tasked with chasing down the speedy Mileusnic after Hamill’s mistimed touch; Thwaite was ultimately unsuccessful.

Raul Llorente – 6

Didn’t have his usual impactful game out at left-back. Nikola Mileusnic won the battle down their side of the field.

Roly Bonevacia – 7

The great pacemaker in the heart of the Wanderers’ team, his passing and vision are high class. Melling’s substitution for Baccus allowed the latter to play the defensive role, releasing Roly up the field.

Jacob Melling – 6

Was solid in midfield but gave away a few fouls. Wasn’t overly involved in attack despite his more advanced midfield role and eventually was taken off in the 54th minute to let Bonevacia go forward in a strategic substitution.

Alvaro Cejudo – 5

Cejudo looked good to start the game but was the sacrificial lamb in the 27th minute for Brendan Hamill in a tactical switch after the red card.

Jaushua Sotirio – 7

Is great when running with the ball and advanced Western Sydney into promosing areas throughout the game, but at times fell short in other departments, such as passing and crossing. He played deeper after the red card and showed great competence in his defensive duties.

Jumpei Kusukami – 6.5

Unfortunately, Jumpei was unable to show his X-factor after his side went a man down. He’d started the game well and was removed from the match in the second half.

Oriol Riera – 6.5

Butchered a good attack in the first half by trotting on the ball and nearly had an equaliser in the second when his header hit the crossbar. He’s a great penalty area striker but involvements in a deeper position aren’t a great strength.

Brendan Hamill – 5

Was introduced in the 27th minute to play in defence. His interception work was solid, but his mistake which led to the second goal was unforgiveable.

Kearyn Baccus – 6

Replaced Melling in the second half and was tasked with holding the midfield as Bonevacia was released forward. Did his job well for the time he was on.

Mark Bridge – 5

Was brought on for Kusukami in the 65th minute but had limited impact on the match.