Coach Ange Postecoglou believes Brisbane Roar are back on track with the A-League finals looming.
The Roar followed up last weekend's 2-0 victory over the table-topping Mariners with an identical result over the Phoenix in Wellington on Sunday to reclaim second spot on the ladder.
The defending champions now sit five points behind Central Coast and two above Wellington with six games left.
"We're getting back to playing not only some good football but some effective football," Postecoglou said after goals from Besart Berisha and Mitch Nichols sealed the win.
"To go to Central Coast and Wellington in the last two weeks and pick up a couple of wins - and in both games I think we controlled the game - it's a promising sign."
"I thought we were really good today. In the first half we knew the Phoenix would sit back and make it difficult for us."
"But we were nice and patient and picked our moments to attack and we scored a great goal.
"In the second half we had to weather a bit of pressure but at the same time we had some good opportunities up the other end and probably could have been a bit smarter with some of our decision-making.
"But coming here and playing as well as we did and winning, it's a pretty good day."
Meanwhile, Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert stopped short of claiming there was an agenda to thwart his team's assault on the title but he left no doubt about his anger and disappointment at the yellow cards dished out to his side.
Vince Lia, Chris Greenacre, Andrew Durante and Tim Brown were all booked by referee Jarred Gillett, as were Mohamed Adnan, Shane Stefanutto and Matt Smith for the Roar.
However, it was the yellow cards for Durante and Brown that Herbert questioned as both will miss next weekend's away game against league leaders Central Coast Mariners after collecting their fifth yellow cards of the season.
Durante was booked for dissent towards the assistant referee, while Brown's yellow was for a foul on Berisha, although replays suggested there had been minimal, if any contact, with the striker.
"Where do you draw the line?' Herbert said.
"I just think it's a really crucial part of the season. Last week we're getting guys booked who weren't even the right people.
"We're getting guys booked that were absolute certain penalties," he added, referring to Paul Ifill's yellow card for diving when he was brought down in the box with a clear shot on goal against Adelaide United.
"It counts against you at some stage. I'm not here to justify the cards. I guess I'm just (asking for) a fair crack of the whip.
"We're not here to hang them. We got beaten and we have to accept that and move on.
"We're second in the league and I think that's caused a few concerns for a few people, if I'm honest."
But when asked directly if he was suggesting there was an agenda against the Phoenix. Herbert replied bluntly: "No I'm not. No."