Sport360°'s Matt Monaghan reflects on the latest round of Arabian Gulf League matches and offers his picks of the week from round six.
Player of the week
Where would Ajman be without their Ivorian striker? Kabi’s brace played a crucial role in the Orange Brigade twice fighting back from behind to claim an opening league win of the season. That it came against fellow relegation rivals Ittihad Kalba made the result all the more valuable.
Coach of the week
At the sixth time of asking, Garcia finally has the victory Bani Yas had long craved. With Al Dhafra and Al Wasl already making coaching changes, the pressure was building to breaking point. The Spaniard leaped into the arms of his coaching staff and players for each of the goals against Al Shabab.
Goal of the week
Carlos Munoz (Al Ahli)
At the sixth time of asking, Garcia finally has the victory Bani Yas had long craved. With Al Dhafra and Al Wasl already making coaching changes, the pressure was building to breaking point. The Spaniard leaped into the arms of his coaching staff and players for each of the goals against Al Shabab.
Talking points
Too many questions need answering
We are well into October and still a date has yet to be set for the (supposedly) season-opening Arabian Gulf Super Cup between Al Ahli and Al Ain. This scrutiny has only been increased by the chaos on transfer deadline day caused by late registrations. Al Wasl, Fujairah and Bani Yas are all unable to play new signings until a solution is found.
Are Wahda fighting a losing battle?
Al Wahda have been the form team of 2014. But how much longer can coach Jose Peseiro continue to wring the most out of a talented but shallow squad? The issue was exacerbated by Essa Santo’s sale, plus Hamdan Al Kamali and Damian Diaz picking up injuries. Is it a matter of time before they drop?
