Round 11 of the 2018/19 Arabian Gulf League delivered several stellar displays, at both ends of the table.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK – MARCUS BERG (AL AIN)
Marcus Berg’s starting spot for Sweden remains a topic of great debate, even though a 17-match scoreless streak ended this month.
In the Garden City, however, there are no complaints.
The centre forward moved onto nine goals in 10 AGL matches this term with his brace – plus an assist – in the 4-0 humbling of bottom-placed Dibba Al Fujairah.
(Al Ain).
GOAL OF THE WEEK – ALI MABKHOUT (AL JAZIRA)
Fresh evidence emerged this round of the undeniable thesis that Mabkhout has outgrown the Arabian Gulf League.
The second goal of his hat-trick in the 6-0 rout of lowly Emirates Club was a portrait of utter nonchalance.
The UAE star won the ball out wide, skipped past several defenders and fathomed a delightful chip when no goal chance appeared on. Domestic dominance with no fuss.
(Twitter/@AlJazira_uae).
COACH OF THE WEEK – AL HAY JUMA (AL WAHDA)
‘Stalwart’ does not do justice to Juma’s service at the Clarets.
He skippered the club to repeat success during 15 years as a player. Now, the long-term backroom staff member has a shot at the No1 role on a temporary basis.
His debut saw a five-match top-flight winless streak snapped in a hard-fought 2-1 win at Ajman.
(Twitter/@AlWahdaFCC).
TALKING POINT – FALCONS BROUGHT DOWN TO EARTH
Emirates Club’s continued survival in the top flight has represented a football miracle, with the margins shrinking since 2015/16.
They have it all to do again this season after a 6-0 humbling at Jazira exposed their limitations and kept them inside the drop zone.
The Falcons spend little and scrap for every point. But with no relegation play-off this time, you wonder how they can stay up.
(Pro League Committee).
