Stats review: Honda's form an ominous sign for Hyundai A-League contenders
Keisuke Honda is yet to completely hit top gear for Melbourne Victory.
But with the Japanese great providing another assist on the weekend, the prospect of Honda firing on all cylinders should be a daunting one for the rest of the Hyundai A-League.
Honda has now been involved in all four of Victory's goals this season after teeing up another strike for Terry Antonis' Round 3 winner against Newcastle Jets.
Honda isn't the only star arrival lighting up the competition in the early rounds. Thanks to Opta data, let's put the spotlight on some of the Hyundai A-League's most impressive early performers and review Round 3!
TALKING POINTS: The value of a lethal Hyundai A-League hit-man
HEROIC MOMENTS: Is this the greatest double save in Hyundai A-League history?
WATCH FOR FREE: How to watch the Hyundai A-League LIVE and FREE
Honda's critical importance laid bare in history-making win
Keisuke Honda was at it again when Victory made it back-to-back wins against the Jets in Newcastle for the first time in their history on Saturday.
The Japanese star teed up another long-range strike for Antonis – who was making his 100th Hyundai A-League appearance - to record a vital 1-0 win over Newcastle.
Their triumph mirrored May's Grand Final success, and despite not yet reaching his peak level, Honda is thriving for Kevin Muscat's side.
The 32-year-old has had a hand in all four Victory goals this season, scoring once and providing three assists in an impressive start to the campaign.
Meanwhile, the Jets – who had Mitch Austin come off the bench for his 50th game in the Hyundai A-League – are winless through the opening three rounds of a season for the first time since 2014/15.
Le Fondre on target, Sydney FC supreme against City again
Star import Adam Le Fondre cannot stop scoring for Sydney FC.
The Englishman delivered a brace in a 3-0 win over Melbourne City at AAMI Park on Friday to maintain his sensational record of scoring in every game he's played in for the Sky Blues.
Le Fondre has now netted in each of his first six competitive games for the Sky Blues, boosting his haul to seven goals.
Paulo Retre had earlier opened the scoring for Steve Corica's men as Sydney continued their dominance over City, recording a sixth straight Hyundai A-League win over the Melburnians.
The reigning Premiers' dominance over City has been so emphatic that it was the fifth time Sydney had racked up at least a three goal total against their opponents.
Goodwin the goal-scoring talisman Adelaide have missed
Outstanding so far this season, Craig Goodwin netted another brace as Adelaide United eased past the Central Coast Mariners 3-0 in Gosford.
The winger took his tally to eight goals in seven competitive games since his return to the Reds to continue building his case for a Caltex Socceroos recall.
In the process, Goodwin became the first Adelaide player since Bruce Djite in April 2016 to score at least two goals and provide an assist in a Hyundai A-League game.
The comfortable win continued Adelaide's fine record against the Mariners, making it eight victories from the past 11 meetings between the clubs.
Roar's Perth hoodoo continues despite another Taggart strike
Perth Glory continued their good start to the season - and prolonged a miserable for Brisbane Roar in Western Australia - with a 2-1 win over John Aloisi's side at nib Stadium.
Andy Keogh's strike and a Connor O'Toole own goal saw Glory improve their recent home record against the Roar, who have failed to win on seven of their past eight trips to Perth.
Adam Taggart scored a penalty against his former club as the forward moved onto two Hyundai A-League goals to start the season.
Taggart has netted both of Brisbane's goals this campaign and now has four in his past three games at his former home ground, but it came too late to salvage Matt McKay's 250th Hyundai A-League appearance.
Wanderers celebrate treble to spoil Durante's milestone
Western Sydney Wanderers made it three straight wins over Wellington Phoenix for the first time in their history with their 3-0 victory at Westpac Stadium.
Goals from Alexander Baumjohann, Oriol Riera and Jordan O'Doherty saw the Wanderers make it six wins from their past eight meetings with the Phoenix, who were unable to celebrate club great Andrew Durante's 250th Hyundai A-League game for Wellington with a win.
It also continued the hosts' somewhat mixed recent record in front of their own fans, with the New Zealanders having lost three of their past nine home games, winning four and drawing two.