Five things we learned from A-League Round 12

A change of face, faulty frontman and Australian success story capped off an exciting midweek round of A-League action.

Adam Taggart (L), Markus Babbel (C) and Bruno Fornaroli Source: Getty Images, AAP

Babbel’s babble

Markus Babbel’s quest to save the Western Sydney Wanderers’ sinking season reached new depths following Tuesday’s 3-2 defeat to Wellington Phoenix.

Roy Krishna’s 89th-minute header handed the Wanderers their fourth straight home loss of the season in front of 7,288 supporters but the German appeared unusually upbeat regarding the future of the club.

“You can believe me, in the future this club will (be) one of the best clubs in the league,” Babbel said.

Such a statement would confuse the commoner, especially after the 46-year-old has made a habit of publicly disparaging the ability and motivation of his players.

Before this bright future, the club were “the worst team in the league”, fearful and had mistakes in their “DNA”.

Call it a bid to buy time in the dugout but Babbel’s sudden turn of face isn’t fooling anyone.

And what’s worse, the very thing promised, is the very state the club was left in prior to Tony Popovic’s departure – having made the grand final against Adelaide United.

In just a touch over a year the Wanderers have regressed beyond comprehension.

With Bankwest Stadium set to open later this year, Babbel had been billed as the man to take the former Asian champions into their new home.

But, unless things change, the Wanderers’ “fantastic” future might need a new man in charge.

Australia’s best striker?

Jamie Maclaren’s Asian Cup blank for the Socceroos on Sunday highlighted what’s been a near-three-year-long struggle with the national team.

Having now gone eight games without a goal in the green and gold, eyebrows have been raised as to whether the 25-year-old is indeed the nation’s best striker.

And with coach Graham Arnold calling up three players from the A-League, Maclaren’s struggle perhaps indicates there should have been a fourth: Adam Taggart.

Despite spurning several chances this season, the 25-year-old has still managed a rather impressive start, boasting nine goals in 12 games, trailing only Adam Le Fondre as the league’s leader.

The Roar striker was again on target this past weekend, with goals against both the Newcastle Jets and former club Perth Glory.

Taggart’s last Socceroos appearance dates back to the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and yet, he still boasts more international goals (three) than the current crop’s out-and-out strikers, Maclaren and Apostolos Giannou, combined.

Such a stay away from the national team deserves amendment, especially if Arnold’s men continue their stuttering start to the tournament.

The land of opportunity

This season's longest-running unbeaten streak came to a surprise end on Wednesday after Adelaide United defeated Melbourne Victory 2-0 at Hindmarsh Stadium.

Craig Goodwin and Ken Ilso struck three minutes apart to hand Victory their first loss in nine matches, dating back to round two, but it wasn’t all bad for Kevin Muscat’s men.

Keisuke Honda’s absence allowed 22-year-old Elvis Kamsoba to make his A-League debut for the defending champions and Muscat was thrilled with the youngster’s impact.

“He performed immensely. He gave everything and he’s waited a long time for this opportunity,” he said.

Kamsoba’s dream start to A-League life came just one week after signing an 18-month deal and ended a tough journey that’s spanned war-torn Burundi and a Tanzanian refugee camp.

Having moved to Adelaide in 2008, Wednesday’s appearance in the City of Churches saw his developing career come full circle – a testament to his talent, perseverance and the opportunity Australia presents people.

Sweet revenge

Same place, different result – Perth Glory’s month-long wait for revenge on Sydney FC came to fruition on Wednesday.

An off-pace performance cost the Glory’s unbeaten start to the season last December but it took them only 13 minutes to make amends in the rematch.

Joel Chianese sent the home side on their way with a brace before Brendon Santalab made it 3-0 in the shadows of half-time.

And while Adam Le Fondre gave Sydney some measure of hope midway through the second period, they were unable to overcome the deficit set before them.

“I’m glad they got what they deserved – three goals,” Glory coach Tony Popovic said after full-time.

The result now snaps a nine-game losing streak to the Sky Blues and takes them six points clear at the top of the league following Melbourne Victory’s defeat to Adelaide.

For sale

Nearly half the A-League have thrown their weight behind Bruno Fornaroli’s signature, and yet, he’s still no closer to a destination.

The Melbourne City star has not played since round four, though it appears Perth Glory are prepared to offer Andy Keogh in a swap deal.

Such a switch has prompted striker-starved Adelaide United into action, as well as Sydney FC, as City close in on a decision by the end of the week.

Fornaroli’s absence has had little impact on Warren Joyce’s side, who are unbeaten in their last four matches.

City’s goals have instead been supplied by midfielders Luke Brattan and Riley McGree, though it’s no secret Keogh’s presence would put Joyce at ease.

“We’re trying to free places up in the cap to try and bring somebody in,” Joyce said.

“I do think (Keogh is) a good player. He’s done great for them… most of the deals are done at the end of January... so you're trying to look for players earlier than that.”

Joyce and co. currently sit fourth with a game in hand, three points behind cross-town rivals Victory and Sydney FC.

Not bad for a team without their highest ever goalscorer.