Despite one game being postponed due to COVID-19, the A-League Men season still managed to deliver five matches over the weekend.
From an atmospheric Melbourne derby to a struggling Western Sydney Wanderers, the competition offered up its fair share of teachings.
Here's what we learned from round five of the A-League Men...
John Aloisi making the most of Western United lifeline
Socceroos legend John Aloisi has well and truly resurrected his coaching career with Western United.
After waiting nearly three years for his next coaching job in the A-League Men, Aloisi has wasted no time showing it could be third time lucky.
The now 45-year-old was sacked by both Melbourne Heart and Brisbane Roar over the past decade but he's helped Western start the new season on fire.
The club claimed a fourth-straight league win for the first time in their history on Friday night as they edged past Adelaide United 1-0.
All of their A-League Men matches have finished 1-0 this season with only a late loss to Melbourne Victory in the opening round spoiling their otherwise perfect record.
Aloisi has assembled a strong squad and so far he's deployed them smartly to ensure a successful early return to the sidelines.
𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐈𝐍 𝐀 𝐑𝐎𝐖𝐖𝐖𝐖#WUNvADL pic.twitter.com/FelZoYdNJK
— Western United FC (@wufcofficial) December 17, 2021
Wanderers' club identity questioned by former coach as struggles continue
Another dire display from the Wanderers on Saturday afternoon saw them lose 2-0 against Central Coast Mariners.
Pressure is mounting on coach Carl Robinson with fans of the club quick to voice their frustration on social media after a third straight loss in all competitions.
Patrick Zwaanswijk used to be an assistant coach at the Wanderers and he joined fans in slamming their current state.
"I once coached for this proud and fantastic supported club and because of 2 of the most mentioned names in the comments I’m no longer there," Zwaanswijk said on Twitter following the 2-0 defeat.
"Unfortunately no club identity beside amazing supporters. I wish you all the best and good luck with the season."
Big things were expected from a strong Wanderers squad this season but they have so far failed to deliver on the pitch with Robinson now in the firing line.
Melbourne derby delivers timely A-League Men reminder
It had been a slightly lacklustre start to the new season on and off the pitch for the A-League Men.
The first Melbourne derby of the campaign bucked that trend, however, as it produced an enthralling contest from start to finish.
With fans in full voice, both teams desperate to win and four goals scored - the match delivered on all fronts to remind everyone what the A-League Men is capable of at its best.
If the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) can live up to their promises and maximise recent investment, these games will hopefully become the norm, not exception, moving forward.
Wow! This is some derby! This is the @aleaguemen at its best. Narrative, passion in the stands, intensity on the field, the right stadium, good pitch, away from the heat of the day. You can’t beat football when it’s like this. That’s the template.
— simonhill1894 (@simonhill1894) December 18, 2021
melb derby was so good last night, watched it at a pres with a bunch of people who have never cared for a-league and no one could take their eyes off it
— gerald (@GeraldLynch_) December 19, 2021
That was easily one of the best A-League games I’ve been to. Terrace was absolutely pumping. The Melbourne Victory are well and truly back in town. #MelbDerby #mvfc #MCYvMVC pic.twitter.com/kx41PL9h5U
— Daniel Passante (@danpassante21) December 18, 2021
Bulls mean business this season
Trailling Newcastle Jets 1-0 and down to 10 men on Sunday, Macarthur somehow found a way to walk away 2-1 winners.
While the Jets were wasteful in the final third, the Bulls were efficient with their few chances and found a way absorb most of Newcastle's attacks.
Macarthur now lead the A-League Men and are the only side yet to lose after five games with Ante Milicic's men proving they mean business this season.
After a solid debut campaign, the Bulls have put off-season disruption behind them and look even stronger despite a few key absentees.
The goal that secured another 3 points to our name! 😍#WeAreTheBulls
— Macarthur FC (@mfcbulls) December 19, 2021
📺@ParamountPlusAU pic.twitter.com/jt5o2Hkm5J
Sydney FC scrape first win but concerns remain
The Sky Blues ended their winless start to the new season with a 2-1 victory over Wellington Phoenix on Sunday evening.
Goals from Elvis Kamsoba and Adam Le Fondre in either half seemed to have Sydney FC set up for a comfortable win but they struggled to see the game out.
Wellington grabbed a goal back in the 83rd minute through Ben Waine and the Nix looked worthy of an equaliser as Steve Corica sweated on the sidelines.
The Sky Blues coach did ultimately claim the three points but it was another uninspiring performance from a team some believe has grown stale.
A clash against league leaders Macarthur on Boxing Day will really show where Sydney FC sit this season with doubts still lurking.