Hideki Ishige of the Phoenix celebrates scoring a goal during the A-League Men Round 4 match between the Central Coast Mariners and Wellington Phoenix at Industree Group Stadium in Gosford. Photo: Jeremy Ng/Photosport
When Wellington Phoenix announced the arrival of Japanese attacker Hideki Ishige in September, they did so with an image of him playing against (arguably) the greatest footballer of all-time.
This weekend the 30-year-old put in a performance Lionel Messi would be proud of to rubber-stamp his credentials as the Phoenix's new creative magician.
Ishige was the star as the Phoenix put their derby day disappointment firmly behind them by blowing away last year's champions Central Coast Mariners. The 30-year-old had a role in all three goals in a 3-0 triumph at Gosford, assisting Kosta Barbarouses and Sam Sutton for the second and third. However, it was the opening goal - Ishige's first since arriving from Gamba Osaka - which truly sparked the Phoenix's season to life.
With the wind behind him, Ishige whipped a vicious free-kick from considerable distance beyond the flailing Dylan Peraic-Cullen. Without comparing Ishige with any seriousness to the incomparable GOAT, it was a strike not unlike one Messi has produced on countless occasions.
It was a touch of magic and that quality is hard to find. In the off-season, the Phoenix lost their two most likely wizards. Ben Old got his long-awaited move to Europe while Bozhidar Kraev wandered over the Tasman to Western Sydney. Ishige is clearly designed to be the replacement and, arguably, more. His runs in behind are certainly an improvement, he presses with higher intensity and the set-piece prolificacy will be a welcome addition.
Hideki Ishige of the Phoenix celebrates scoring a goal during the A-League Men Round 4 match between the Central Coast Mariners and Wellington Phoenix at Industree Group Stadium in Gosford. Photo: Jeremy Ng/Photosport
"The way that we're evolving the team, my preference is for technically good players and players with speed, and Hideki fits that mould," is how head coach Giancarlo 'Chiefy' Italiano introduced Ishige after his arrival.
"He's also got a knack for scoring goals from distance," Chiefy continued. That promise has certainly been delivered on and getting one over the team that pipped the Phoenix to last year's Premiers title only adds to the satisfaction.
As does the clean sheet. The Mariners had chances but in a much-needed confidence boost, Phoenix goalkeeper Josh Oluwayemi made several saves to ensure a shutout. After his horror pass allowed Jake Brimmer to send Auckland on their way to Kiwi-lasico bragging rights a week ago, this was a much-needed and well deserved confidence boost for the Londoner.
All in all, it was a perfect day for the Phoenix, other than Barbarouses limping out of action. But at least in Ishige the Phoenix have their latest magic man at hand to pull any rabbits out of hats.
In other football news
Wellington Phoenix's women are still hunting for their first win of the new A-League season. Despite having 18 shots on goal an inspired Sally James kept them at bay with Michelle Heyman's goal deciding a 1-0 loss to Canberra United in Porirua.
Phoenix captain Annalie Longo lays dejected after their loss during the A-League Women - Wellington Phoenix FC v Canberra Utd football match. Photo: Marty Melville/Photosport
No game for Auckland FC this weekend as they enjoy a bye week, but they will be pleased to see six Black Knights picked for the All Whites' upcoming international fixtures - including a first call-up for impressive winger Liam Gillion.
Chris Wood's epic form earned him the Premier League Player of the Month award for October. Unfortunately, he could not keep up his scoring run against former club Newcastle United this weekend. Instead, it was the man who ultimately replaced him at St James' Park - Alexander Isak - who starred in a 3-1 win for Newcastle United.
Manchester City's injury crisis saw them slip to two more defeats this week, first to Sporting in the Champions League then Brighton at the weekend. That's four defeats on the trot for Pep Guardiola, a first in his illustrious managerial career.
Liverpool is therefore in the driving seat in the Premier League. Their 2-0 win over Aston Villa, as well as City's wobbles and Arsenal's draw with Chelsea has them five points clear at the summit.
City's demise at Sporting came against incoming Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim, who will take over a winning side after the international break, after Bruno Fernandes led his team to a 3-0 crushing of Leicester City. Elsewhere, Ipswich Town won their first game of the season, toppling Ange Postecoglou's topsy-turvy Tottenham on the road.