Our Arabian Gulf League reporter Matt Monaghan decides his picks of the week in the three categories: player, goal and coach of the week.
This week Al Ain extended their lead at the top of the table after a 2-1 home win against second place Al Jazira. Elsewhere Sharjah secured an impressive 5-2 away victory against Bani Yas.
Arabian Gulf League champions Al Ahli enjoyed a return to form last night courtesy of a 4-0 dismantling of Fujairah. Meanwhile, 10-man Al Shabab showed resolve to hold on for a feisty 1-1 draw at immediate challengers Al Wahda to remain third in the league table
Player of the week: Fabio De Lima (Al Wasl)
De Lima continued his remarkable hot streak this weekend. The Brazilian forward’s hat-trick against bottomplaced Ittihad Kalba made it seven goals in his last three AGL games. His trio of finishes showed a player at optimum confidence, his final curled effort from 25 yards particularly outstanding.
Goal of the week: Luis Jimenez (Al Ahli)
Everything about this strike was a delight, putting the icing on a 4-0 dismantling of Fujairah. The precise curl and perfect weight of Everton Ribeiro’s pass oozed with Brazilian majesty, showing why he had been recruited at such cost. The Red Knights skipper then applied the finish, opening up his body to dink in a first-time chip.
Coach of the week: Eric Gerets (Al Jazira)
The Belgian isn’t an obvious choice, losing the top-of-thetable clash against Al Ain. Yet, his show of sportsmanship and refusal to make easy excuses was truly honourable. Controversy surrounded Asamoah Gyan’s winner, Khalid Sabeal recovering from injury in the build-up. Gerets both sought out Gyan to reassure him about the goal at the final whistle and called the Ghana striker a “gentleman” in his post-match presser – a moniker which could be applied to himself.
