The second round of the 2014-15 Arabian Gulf League campaign was just as eventful as the first with the reigning champions slipping up and Al Ain getting their season up and running with a win.
Here, our reporter Matt Monaghan assess the best of the action from the week.
Player of the week
Ali Mabkhout (Al Jazira)
Ali Mabkhout was on fire against Fujairah. His brace was detailed by two fine finishes, a deftlychipped opener and the most nonchalantly dispatched penalty you are ever likely to see. His instant understanding with Mirko Vucinic could be Al Jazira’s greatest strength in the season to come.
Goal of the week
Makhete Diop (Al Dhafra)
Diop is a force of nature, blessed with size, tenacity and technique. His acumen was on show against Ajman, charging through the middle to sweetly connect with a half-volley.
Coach of the week
Caio Junior (Al Shabab)
There was only ever one contender for this award, with Caio Junior standing tallest after watching his side come back from 2-0 down at champions Al Ahli to win 4-2. Shabab rode their luck, but the Brazilian’s emphasis on set pieces gained handsome reward.
Talking points
Tariq can fill void left by Ciel
Al Ahli looked a lesser team against Al Shabab without the injured Ciel. The ongoing Asian Games provide a positive for the Red Knights, however, with Iraq playmaker Humam Tariq shining. The 18 year old has scored three times in as many games. On that evidence, the summer signing looks a perfect fit to fill the vacated foreign-player slot.
Emirates come out fighting
Everything this summer pointed to relegation for Emirates Club. The board’s resignation was rejected, while the transfer business was underwhelming at best. Out of adversity has come a will to fight. Defeat to Al Wahda came crushingly late, but to push such a superb team means repeats of the opening 1-0 win against Fujairah should be plentiful enough to survive.
