Mooy has been City's most effective player all season and the ex-Wanderers man could have counted himself unlucky not to have made the Socceroos squad for the Asian Cup. Van't Schip said Mooy's workrate and commitment made him a key component in City's side as it pushes up the table to try to consolidate a finals spot.

"Aaron has been our most consistent player. Today he was leading the team, setting up the first goal, scoring the second. He's always playing his game and working hard. I hope he can progress and keep on continuing the way he's playing and help the team."

The City boss was also delighted that teenager Jacob Melling continued his progress and could celebrate his first ever A-League goal. The 19-year-old has added a spiky, combative presence in the City midfield and is establishing himself as a first team player.

"Jacob is a player with a lot of energy. He wins a lot of balls back; he loses it too much sometimes, but that's something he has to improve."

Wanderers boss Tony Popovic believes the task of integrating several new signings will take time, and that was a key factor in the Sydney side not being able to capitalise on the dream start given them by debutant Yojiro Takahagi, who scored from a free kick five minutes into the game.

"It wasn't the performance we wanted today. It was always going to be a tough day integrating four new players. You get Brendon Santalab back, who hasn't played for three months, so that's five of your first eleven.

"I thought we looked disjointed at times. We started well and looked as though we didn't make the most of the good ball we had."