TACTICAL TINKERING MUST STOP
UAE coach Mahdi Ali must choose a formation going forward and stick with it. A winning formula with a 4-2-3-1 had been found in Japan last week, yet this was scrapped for a conventional 4-4-2 for the defeat to Australia. The latter system simply does not make the best of the resources at hand. It forces brilliant playmaker Omar Abdulrahman out wide, highlights the woeful form of centre midfielder Amer Abdulrahman and sees forwards Ahmed Khalil and Ali Mabkhout compete for space.
MATAR’S MENTORING ROLE
The downturn from Khalil on Tuesday night was an unwelcome surprise for anyone affiliated with the UAE. The 2015 AFC Asian Player of the Year had been unplayable in Japan as the lone striker, his breathtaking goals from two set-pieces just reward. Yet all this assuredness dissipated in the humid Abu Dhabi air. Both he and partner Mabkhout got in each other’s way, although this didn’t excuse their appalling touches when found by the probing ‘Amoory’. A return of 13 goals from 10, 2018 qualifiers from Khalil is incredible. He must strive to maintain such consistency.
AMER ANXIETY There was an undeniable sense against Australia that the Whites were virtually playing with 10 men. As has become a worrying norm, centre midfielder Amer Abdulrahman badly underperformed. Yet the new Al Ain signing continues to hold a permanent spot in the starting XI. The long-term injury to Al Ahli tyro Majed Hassan may have helped him, although the contrast in form to players such as Al Nasr’s Khalid Jalal mean replacements already exist. A change in output or personnel has to occur. Share with us your thoughts by commenting below, using #360fans on Twitter or getting in touch via Facebook.