A new era for the Socceroos began overnight with Graham Arnold’s men running out comfortable winners over a lacklustre Kuwait side.

The opening match of Arnold's tenure was fairly pleasing, with the first half seeing the Socceroos playing a high tempo, pressure-based style that relied on fast build up through the likes of Tom Rogic and Robbie Kruse.

As the heat started to affect the team, Arnold rung in the changes, seeing the debuts of Awer Mabil and Thomas Deng, with Mabil looking particularly sharp on his arrival.

Mark Milligan was handed the captain’s armband as part of an initiative by Arnold to spread the role around a ‘leadership team’ within the squad

Massimo Luongo’s performance was impressive, especially following his World Cup disappointment where he was benched.

Kuwait, ranked 159th in the world, made up for a lack of quality with sheer resilience and physical competitiveness, attempting to work their way back in to the game in the second half.

The Socceroos still seemed to struggle with a cutting edge and decisiveness in and around the box, an area of weakness Arnold has worked to nullify.

   GALLERY: Kuwait v Socceroos match action   

Socceroos

Danny Vukovic — 7

Was heard frequently instructing his team in defence, ensuring his men remained compact. Made a fantastic save in the early part of the second half from Kuwait’s first shot of the night and was comfortable without being worked.

Josh Risdon — 6

Laid on some good chances for Leckie and Kruse, linking up well in attack with the players around him.

Trent Sainsbury  — 6

As is typical of his game, Sainsbury was critical in foiling Kuwait’s best chances by mopping up at the back. Contrary to his better moments, there was some suspect defending and lackadaisical ball movement. Lucky to have stayed on the park in the second half.

Mark Milligan — 7

Lead by example, playing with a rough and tumble gusto, to the ire of the Kuwaiti players at times.

Aziz Behich — 6

Wily and determined throughout the first half, finding himself with plenty of license for innovation down his flank. Some wasteful passing and touches let his side down at times in the second half.

Jackson Irvine — 7

Intelligently pressed, winning many balls back for his side in midfield. Played the cross that led to Australia’s second.

Massimo Luongo — 7.5

Akin to his midfield partner Irvine, the QPR club man displayed an incredible work ethic and intent to reclaim possession for his side in midfield. Some exquisite passes.

Tom Rogic — 8.5

Appeared intent on following through with his pre-match comments regarding the Socceroos’ focus on attacking style by leading from the offset. Unstoppable at times with some of his penetrative balls through the Kuwait midfield and defence, deservedly getting on the scoresheet late on.

Robbie Kruse — 8

Sent an impressive cross in, intended for Giannou, that resulted in an own goal which was just reward for Australia’s positive play. Most notably, Kruse was an incessant menace on the Kuwait defence, striding in and around the midfield to complement Arnold’s desire for a freedom in movement among the attacking quadrant.

Mathew Leckie — 5

Underwhelmed throughout the game, crossing poorly and scuffing a first half chance that appeared prime for the taking.

Apostolos Giannou — 6

Having not played for the Socceroos since a home qualifier against Japan in 2016 he seemed more comfortable in Arnold’s system than Ange Postecoglou’s. Imposed himself and forced the Kuwait defence into a poor mistake, allowing him to slot home his first ever Socceroos goal.

SUBS

Tomi Juric — 7 

Entered the pitch with an immediate desire to push the ball forward and linked up confidently with his teammates, earning an assist as he played through Mabil.

Daniel Arzani — 6 

Dazzled with his darting runs at the Kuwaiti defence immediately. Linked up well with his Celtic teammate Rogic.

Awer Mabil — 7.5

Made his Socceroos debut after waiting in the wings for many Socceroos camps, and his desire to take on the Kuwaiti defence was essential in forcing Australia back into the game. Brilliantly strode through the home defence to score his debut goal.

Mustafa Amini — 6

Played it safe when he came on, providing a calming presence in midfield.

Thomas Deng — 6 

Brought on at right back for his senior national team debut and was untroubled.

Alex Gersbach N/A —

Lacked minutes to leave his mark.