- Western United star Daniel Penha is a born entertainer
- The Brazilian showed his brutal side after the 3-1 win over Wanderers
- Followed a man with competitive performances for John Aloisi’s team
A-League star Daniel Penha is a box office entertainer – and on Friday night at Sydney’s Commbank Stadium he went above and beyond after autographing a rival fan’s forehead.
Brazilian-born Penha, 25, on loan at Western United from Atlético Mineiro, tore Western Sydney Wanderers to shreds.
He scored a goal and finished with two sublime assists – all within 12 minutes of the second half – as John Aloisi’s men look to disappear from the bottom of the ladder.
And at the final whistle, Penha showed his cheeky side and signed an autograph for an enthusiastic fan who may now not have to shower for a few days.
The Brazilian strolled to the touchline with what appeared to be an iced tea, with the young supporter making the unusual request to sign his forehead.
The kicker? The fan was a Western Sydney Wanderers supporter, not a Western United fan.
Western United A-League star Daniel Penha is a box office entertainer – and on Friday night at Sydney’s Commbank Stadium he gave it his all
At the final whistle, Penha showed his cheeky side and signed an autograph for an enthusiastic Wanderers fan on his forehead (photo)
It was just another act from Penha that endeared him to Australian fans.
“Daniel is an asset to the league, regardless of who he plays for. Loves the league, loves the fans, loves Australia,” one fan wrote.
“Everyone loves Daniel Penha,” another added.
Although Penha’s performance was warmly received by the fans, the match itself lacked energy.
The Red and Black Bloc (RBB), the Wanderers’ active supporter group, boycotted the match after heavy-handed security and police surveillance during last week’s 4-1 derby. loss to Sydney FC and the field therefore lacked atmosphere.
Aloisi didn’t care as his team picked up a valuable three points along the way as they tried to avoid the wooden spoon.
“We got what we deserved… and we deserved a lot more from a lot of other games this season,” the former Socceroos forward said as he reflected on the 3-1 win.
“We don’t know where we’ll end up, but all we can do is try to win every game we have left.”
Meanwhile, Marko Rudan’s Wanderers have suffered an alarming dip in form.
They have now won just one of their past six games and face the prospect of their season imploding.
In contrast, city rivals Sydney FC are flying with their last defeat on January 13.