The Wanderers are back on track after ending a frustrating run of results with a 3-2 win over Adelaide United in trying conditions at Coopers Stadium tonight.
Inspired by a five-star performance from German midfielder Nicolai Muller, the Red & Black fought every centimetre of the way to come away with three valuable points that catapulted them back into the top six.
Muller was an irresistible force, scoring in each half, one a contender for goal of the season, while Mo Adam grabbed his first goal in the A-League after taking advantage of a wonderful through ball from Pirmin Schwegler.
The Wanderers had a tough start to the game and were under pressure in the opening 10 minutes as the home side pushed forward in attack.
Goalkeeper Daniel Lopar was forced to make a couple of critical saves, denying Mileusnic and Blackwood in the fourth and sixth minutes.
But, the Red & Black held their nerve and soon found themselves in front on 11 minutes after turning defence into attack.
Mo Adam, a late call-up for the ill Kwame Yeboah, broke down the right flank and sent in a cross that found the head off Muller via a deflection off a defender. The German showed great awareness to flick the ball into the back of the net.
Adelaide equalised on 20 minutes through Toure who was judged to have been marginally onside when he tapped the ball into the net from close range.
Lopar was again called into action on 25 minutes with an incredible save with his knee as the ball looked certain to cross the line.
The game got a bit willing at stages as the players from both sides tried to cope with the excessive heat factor that required two drinks breaks in each half.
Despite the heat, the game was played at a hectic pace.
The Wanderers finished the half strongly with Pirmin Schwegler firing wide before Mitchell Duke sent an overhead effort wide.
Muller then put the Wanderers ahead in the 59th minute, taking advantage of a delightful cross from substitute Tarek Elrich by sending a bullet-like header into the left corner of the net.
The Red & Black appeared to ensure the three points in the 77th minute after Schwegler lobbed a ball over the United defence for Adam, who was left one-on-one with goalkeeper Paul Izzo. Izzo blocked the initial effort but the rebounds fell to Adam who made no mistake the second time around.
However, there was still plenty of drama to come.
United got one back through a penalty from George Blackwood late in the game and were then awarded another penalty in injury time only for Blackwood to blast it over the bar.
It was a fantastic and well deserved result for the Wanderers, who have had to contend with some bad luck over the past five or six weeks.
The Wanderers now look ahead to New Years Day where they’ll face Brisbane Roar at Bankwest Stadium.
