A first half strike from Kristian Sarkies was enough to secure all three points and restore United to the top of the table after briefly having been knocked off due to Central Coast Mariners earlier win in Newcastle.

Vidmar said: “I’m extremely pleased. It’s never an easy period through Christmas and certainly it makes it all worthwhile travelling on Christmas Day and picking up three points.

“There was a lot of pressure right throughout the game and Perth played exceptionally well.

“There were a lot of fantastic performers and Eugene (Galekovic) certainly did a fantastic job, particularly at the end.

“Before the game we talked about consolidating top spot and it’s never easy coming here so to get the three points really showed that we’re serious about where we want to go as a football club.

“It was backs against the wall and everyone really rallied and I think that was the most pleasing thing.”