As the Al Ahli fans heralded Grafite for his brace in last night’s 4-2 victory against Al Jazira, it seemed everything had returned to normal. A triumph convincingly claimed by coach Cosmin Olaroiu’s points-gaining machine, their Brazilian captain at the fore.
Surprisingly, this had not been the norm.
The Red Knights had stuttered into the new season rather than bursting into it. Last term’s 16-point-title-winning margin a thing of the past.
Olaroiu has earned a reputation as the most efficient of managers. His triple title successes with Al Ain and Ahli have been built on tight wins. But that most valuable ability to extract the most points possible from any situation was stolen by leaders Al Wahda.
This calculated manner has been absent. Seven points had been dropped in total before last night, leaving them sixth.
The first sign of the change came in the second round. A 2-0 lead at home to Al Shabab disappeared in a frantic 22-minute spell when four unanswered goals were conceded. Equally as painful matches came in the dire goalless stalemate at home to Ajman and the 1-1 draw saved at Fujairah.
Jazira hit man Mirko Vucinic’s 10-goal haul was more than Ahli’s combined tally from five games.
When the margins of victory are so small, slight alterations can make a huge difference. An already fearsome squad was bolstered expertly in the summer. In came UAE internationals Habib Fardan and Essa Santo, experienced Bani Yas midfielder Nawaf Mubarak, Olaroiu stalwart Mirel Radoi and Bani Yas goal-getter Carlos Munoz. A wealth of options the envy of the league.
New faces, however, require integration. Fardan, who possesses undoubted talent, is a much more refined player on the left wing than the explosive and imaginative Ciel.
The engine room has also had a re-fit. Hugo Viana jettisoned to Al Wasl, pending official approval, with Radoi stepping in.
The Romanian is Olaroiu’s brains on the football pitch, ensuring shape and discipline is held. He is no ‘regista’ like Viana, capable of directing play with the ball at his feet.
Injuries have played an influential role in checking the Red Knights’ rhythm. Ciel is out for the season with a double ankle fracture, Santo is yet to kick a ball after being hurt in his farewell match for Al Wahda and Mubarak is sidelined for six months with a serious knee problem. Add to that the injury to emerging UAE star Majed Hassan on international duty, defensive glue Walid Abbas being absent for the last league match and Grafite and Luis Jimenez carrying knocks and it's quite some list.
Grafite was at 100 per cent for the first time this season last night. And it showed.
However, the spectre of the treatment table refused to go away. with UAE winger Ismail Al Hammadi ending an exceptional night in pain, forced off in the 87th minute holding his leg.
The belief catalysed by the rousing victory against Jazira should ensure such a setback is not, now, as costly. They are within striking distance of Wahda, three points back in third.
Momentum is finally Ahli’s.
Last season’s stellar performance suggests that upcoming opponents Al Dhafra will be the first of many clubs ruthlessly swatted aside in the weeks to come.
