Sydney FC are flying high with back-to-back 4-0 wins over Western Sydney Wanderers and Central Coast Mariners, while the men from Gosford are already on the slide with a 3-3 draw with Perth Glory followed by the humiliating loss to the Sky Blues.

Here’s five things we learnt from the Sydney’s demolition of the Mariners.

1. How dangerous is the Sky Blue attack!

Eight goals in two games is a statement that will send a shockwave throughout the A-League, particularly coming from a club that only averaged 1.3 goals per game last season. With Milos Ninkovic seemingly reaching new heights and the chemistry between former Belsitas duo Filip Holosko and Bobo for all to see, there shall be goals aplenty for the Sydneysiders in season 2016/17.

2. Central Coast Mariners defensive woes don’t appear to be going anytime soon.

Conceding seven goals in their opening two games is just not good enough following last season where they conceded 70. The signing of Paul Okon as coach has the potential to strengthen the club, but denying the deeply rooted defensive problems in the squad by stating “I thought we were the better side tonight, and I challenge anyone to disagree with me” just ain’t going to cut the mustard after a 4-0 loss.

The dumbest comment i’ve heard all year @CCMariners were the better team, #SYDvCCM

— johnboz (@johnboz81) October 15, 2016

3. Michael Zullo has been a revelation

The astute Graham Arnold recruitment of Michael Zullo has paid dividends with the diminutive left back not putting a foot wrong during his time on the pitch so far. The left-footed overlapping defender who posses nippy pace has joined his fourth A-League club and has added an extra dimension to the Sky Blues. Along with Ryhann Grant on the right, the pair have had an energetic start to the season.

Zullo looking sharp today, both in defence and as provider. #SYDvCCM #SydneyIsSkyBlue

— Stef (@stefxsyd) October 15, 2016

4. The experience of Sydney’s depth is significant!

We have not seen the likes of Milos Dimitrijevic, Bernie Ibini and Vedran Janjetović on the pitch so far, while Alex Brosque and Matt Simon have been getting limited minutes due to the class already on the field. That is over 607 matches of A-League experience warming the bench. These players will get their opportunity throughout season 2016/17 and when they do they will be doing everything in their power to hold onto their spot.

Arnie | “It’s the depth in the squad and recruited quality that makes us so strong.” #SydneyIsSkyBlue #SYDvCCM

— Sydney FC (@SydneyFC) October 15, 2016

5. Sydney FC are genuine title hopes in season 2016/17.

After humiliating their cross-town rivals in front of the A-League’s largest regular season crowd at ANZ Stadium with a 4-0 victory and repeating the result in a similar exhilarating style against the Central Coast at Allianz Stadium. It’s obvious there is enough reason for fans to hope that this genuinely could be the season that silverware returns to Sydney FC.

Consistency 👏🏻 #WSWvSYD #SYDvCCM pic.twitter.com/zZljh7GLXj

— Brittany Carter (@_BrittanyCarter) October 15, 2016