Diego Castro's introduction off the bench was pivotal to Perth Glory's stunning comeback in the 4-3 win over Western Sydney, says coach Tony Popovic.
With games coming thick and fast in January, Popovic opted to leave Spanish ace Castro on the bench at HBF Park.
The coach made five changes for the meeting with his former team and things didn't go to plan in the first half as Wanderers took the lead.
The Glory were unable to get a grip on the game so Popovic sent on Castro and Jason Davidson after the break, and the skipper was outstanding.
Perth were two goals behind twice in the match but rallied to preserve their six-point lead at the top of the A-League, scoring four times in the last 20 minutes.
Popovic admitted it had been a "crazy game", and one in which his team had defended poorly.
"It was no surprise that we struggled at times but we found a way to win," added the coach. "We weren't at our best but if you want to give yourself a chance to be there at the end these are the games you have got to come through.
"Diego did what Diego does; the last half an hour he controlled the whole game. His decisions were on another level to everyone else."
Castro netted Perth's first goal, getting them back into the game at 2-1 down.
Ivan Franjic and Andy Keogh netted to get the home side back level, with Juande completing the turn-around when he scored from the penalty spot after Keogh was dragged down by Brendan Hamill.
The Glory are 9/5 to win their next game against Melbourne City, who are 6/4 with the draw 9/4.
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Diego Castro's introduction off the bench was pivotal to Perth Glory's stunning comeback in the 4-3 win over Western Sydney, says coach Tony Popovic.
With games coming thick and fast in January, Popovic opted to leave Spanish ace Castro on the bench at HBF Park.
The coach made five changes for the meeting with his former team and things didn't go to plan in the first half as Wanderers took the lead.
The Glory were unable to get a grip on the game so Popovic sent on Castro and Jason Davidson after the break, and the skipper was outstanding.
Perth were two goals behind twice in the match but rallied to preserve their six-point lead at the top of the A-League, scoring four times in the last 20 minutes.
Popovic admitted it had been a "crazy game", and one in which his team had defended poorly.
"It was no surprise that we struggled at times but we found a way to win," added the coach. "We weren't at our best but if you want to give yourself a chance to be there at the end these are the games you have got to come through.
"Diego did what Diego does; the last half an hour he controlled the whole game. His decisions were on another level to everyone else."
Castro netted Perth's first goal, getting them back into the game at 2-1 down.
Ivan Franjic and Andy Keogh netted to get the home side back level, with Juande completing the turn-around when he scored from the penalty spot after Keogh was dragged down by Brendan Hamill.
The Glory are 9/5 to win their next game against Melbourne City, who are 6/4 with the draw 9/4.
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Source: bet365.com