It was the Western Sydney Wanderers who started the brighter and it paid dividends early when Oriol Riera headed home a Josh Risdon cross for his ninth goal of the campaign. They took that lead into half-time and should have had more, but for some poor finishing.

The game opened up in the second-half and both teams had their forays forward until what seemed like the inevitable second goal for Western Sydney came through a Michael Thwaite header.

Chris Ikonomidis got one soon after which was a fine reward for the effort put in by the World Cup hopeful. The job was well and truly finished when Jaushua Sotirio sent a low shot at Lewis Italiano, whose weak right hand couldn’t stop it from getting into the net to round out the 4-0 rout.

Western Sydney Wanderers

Vedran Janjetovic – 7

Had next to nothing to do all night and maybe would’ve hoped for some more practice for the Wanderers next two fixtures against the top two.

Josh Risdon – 8

Heavily involved early when his first time cross landed on Oriol Riera’s head and into the goal. Combined with Ikonomidis well throughout the contest. Clearly got bored and was found very far up the park throughout the second half.

Michael Thwaite – 7.5

Headed home for a collectors item and his side’s second, which seemed to be coming for some time. Apart from that he and defensive partner Hamill had very little to do.

Photo by Eric Berry

Brendan Hamill – 7

Got involved in attack more than defense.. and for a centre-half that’s saying something. Not tested at all.

Raul Llorente – 8

Was given acres of space down the left and used it the only way he knows how, by running into it and firing a variety of crosses into the box.

Roly Bonevacia – 7.5

Started a lot of Western Sydney’s attacking movements from deep, spraying balls left and right into space with ease. Seems a new player with Carrusca in the side.

Steve Lustica – 7

Given an invitation to score by Ikonomidis on 20 minutes but mishit his shot. Along with Bonevacia controlled the midfield with ease. After some hard work closing down he was subbed in the 70th minute.

Marcelo Carrusca – 7.5

His addition has been fruitful for the Wanderers and has added a different dimension to their attack. Not only his set-pieces but touches of class. 80 very good minutes before coming off early for Brendon Santalab.

Photo by Eric Berry

Chris Ikonomidis – 9.5

Great opening in his first start in Red and Black. Put one on a platter for Steve Lustica but his shot was tame. Got plenty of ball in encouraging signs for the Lazio loanee. Exploited the space left by Liberato Cacace time after time. Should have scored on 54 minutes but for a goal line clearance by Dylan Fox. Finally got his reward with a brilliant individual effort cutting in from the right wing and finishing with aplomb.

Oriol Riera – 7

If there’s one thing this man can do, it’s head a ball. Made the difficult look easy when he powered a Josh Risdon cross over a scrambling Lewis Italiano and into the net.

Mark Bridge – 6

Some deft touches but didn’t get as much ball as his teammates in a dominant display where most attacking movements went through Ikonomidis down the right. Subbed for Jaushua Sotirio on 77 minutes.

SUBS

Keanu Baccus – 6

On to relieve Steve Lustica and sent a few balls forward, even having a crack from outside the box when the win was already guaranteed.

Jaushua Sotirio – 6

Given 15 minutes off the bench and made them count when he put his side up 4-0, albeit from a dreadful goalkeeper error.

Brendon Santalab – 7

Had 10 minutes when he replaced Carrusca and instantly fired his teammates up. Smashed a shot at Italiano whose save fell to Sotirio and he beat the keeper for the Wanderers fourth.

Wellington Phoenix

Lewis Italiano – 2

Terrible positioning for the Wanderers first goal and Riera punished him. Was tested thoroughly throughout the night and unfortunately, came up short. A dreadful error gave the Wanderers their 4th. Might be time for Keegan Smith to be given another chance. Or could Tando Velaphi come in?

Photo by Eric Berry

Daniel Mullen – 4

Lost Riera when he was simply left unmarked for the opening goal. Subbed off after an injury on 28 minutes and replaced by Scott Galloway.

Dylan Fox – 6

Might have a sore head from the number of headed clearances in the first half. Wonderful clearance off the line from a Chris Ikonomidis chip which kept the score at 1-0. Despite shipping four goals didn’t have the worst of nights.

Andrew Durante – 4

Brilliant challenge on Ikonomidis when the Wanderer looked to bust through one-on-one with the keeper. That’s about the best thing he did as he was found out of position time and time again.

Liberato Cacace – 3

Had Ikonomidis to deal with all night and when he tried to get forward, the opposition exploited his absences immediately. A torrid debut start for the youngster. Subbed for attacking option Monty Patterson on 73 minutes.

Matthew Ridenton – 4

Worked hard but outclassed by the opposition midfield in a tough night for the Phoenix.

Goran Paracki – 4

Chased the ball all night between opposition defenders and rarely got on the ball himself.

Nathan Burns – 3

Nicknamed ‘Powderfinger’ for the night as he was a Passenger. Was walking from about the 65th minute.

Milos Ljujic – 5

Tried hard to be the creative outlet the ‘Nix have been craving but his midfield teammates couldn’t win enough ball for him to have an effect. Lovely looping corner with the last kick of the first half but Kaluderovic couldn’t capitalize.

Michael McGlinchey – 4

Starved of any ball and therefore couldn’t contribute anything positive. Subbed before the hour.

Andrijia Kaluderovic – 4

Given absolutely no ball for all of the first half which may have explained his shocking miss in time added on. Cut a forlorn figure for most of the match as he waited for service.

SUBS

Scott Galloway – 5.5

Came on for the injured Daniel Mullen and got forward more than his teammates but lacked quality distribution or finishing.

Adam Parkhouse – 4

Operated down the left flank but had about as much influence as the weather on this one.

Monty Patterson – 5

First minutes since signing for the ‘Nix. May be given more now that their season is beyond saving.