Sydney coach Graham Arnold wants his home ground to remain an intimidating arena for visitors, with so few leaving with points in recent history, but under the guidance of new coach Darije Kalezic, Wellington didn't get that memo. The lesser fancied Phoenix came close to snatching a point after refusing to lay down against Sydney FC, who looked to be on their way to a comfortable win.

They were typically fluid in attack as their free-flowing play made light work of Wellington's defence, allowing Brazilian striker Bobo to net a brace to ensure the Sky Blues finish round two equal first on points. However, their backline was far from the imposing wall befitting of "Fortress Allianz" and will require some bolstering before their home derby against the Wanderers on Saturday, while a potential injury to star signing Adrian Mierzejewski poses another concern.

"First I have to say that I'm very proud of the boys, winning three games in a week. It's not easy playing three games in one week at this stage of the season," Arnold said. "But I'm not happy with our defensive performance."

Mierzejewski and Milos Ninkovic helped Sydney overcome a jittery opening to guide the Sky Blues to their usual rhythm. Midway through the half, the latter combined with Bobo for a chance for Alex Brosque to open the scoring, only to spurn a one-on-one.

That trio combined again immediately after to unravel Wellington's defence. Ninkovic found Brosque on the edge of the area and his no-look pass picked out the run of Bobo inside the box. The Brazilian striker made no mistake, hitting the roof of the net to break the deadlock in the 29th minute.

Minutes later, the Sky Blues had their second. Mierzejewski did brilliantly to keep a counter attack alive when he crossed from the byline to find Michael Zullo, who unleashed a thumping drive from the edge of the box to double Sydney's lead

The comfort of that lead was dashed on the stroke of half-time when Andrija Kaludjerovic scored a powerful effort against the run of play to set up a tense second half. At least that's what it seemed.

Normal order resumed for the Sky Blues, who restored their two-goal lead immediately after kick-off. A superb cross from Luke Wilkshire was pounced on by Bobo, who evaded his marker to guide a simple header into the net to make it 3-1.

The 11,284 mostly Sydney fans were licking their lips at the prospect of a lopsided scoreline to continue where the Sky Blues left off last season before they were suddenly dealt grim news. Mierzejewski collapsed to the ground in the 53rd minute clutching his hamstring in discomfort, before being immediately substituted, casting doubt over his availability for the upcoming Sydney derby.

Those problems would have to wait as the hosts' concerns became more immediate on the hour mark. A clever cross from Wellington's Mike McGlinchey picked out Dario Vidosic on the edge of the box and the fringe Australian international's looping header left Andrew Redmayne stranded on his spot, helpless but to watch the ball float into the corner of the net.

The composure Sydney swept the field with was washed away as Wellington clawed back to 3-2, at least in defence. However the fluidity going forward remained and there wasn't the faintest hint of the Sky Blues developing a siege mentality.

Defender Jordy Buijs tested Keegan Smith from distance, substitute David Carney probed with a close header before Matt Simon shaved the post with a fierce drive on the turn. Zullo denied Phoenix the draw when he cleared a Vidosic header off the line.