AGL Picks of the Week: Ajman rout of Al Ain and Igor Coronado heroics lead the way

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  • (Twitter/@AjmanClub).

    Round 20 of the 2018/19 Arabian Gulf League delivered several stellar displays, at both ends of the table.

    Mid-table Ajman humiliated champions Al Ain, inflicting their heaviest home defeat – Sunday’s 4-0 loss – of the professional era. At the bottom, Emirates Club and Dibba Al Fujairah gained vital wins as they battle against relegation.

    Here are Sport360’°s top picks and a talking point:

    PLAYER OF THE WEEK

    Igor Coronado (Sharjah)

    The €6 million sent Palermo’s way last summer for the Brazilian playmaker seems cheaper by the round.

    Coronado came to Sharjah’s rescue at Bani Yas, dispatching a one-on-one and penalty as the unbeaten leaders came from behind to defeat promoted opponents.

    A first top-flight title since 1995/96 is moving into view.

    (Twitter/@BaniyasClub).

    (Twitter/@BaniyasClub).

    GOAL OF THE WEEK

    Mohamed Al Akbari (Al Nasr)

    A stupendous goal laced with significance was rattled in by Al Akbari this weekend.

    Back at Al Nahyan Stadium for the second time since a surprise defection from Al Wahda, the forward unleashed an unstoppable curled shot that sparked a revitalising 2-1 win for Al Nasr.

    We keep seeing glimpses of a special talent.

    (Twitter/@ALNasrSC).

    (Twitter/@ALNasrSC).

    COACH OF THE WEEK

    Ayman El Ramady (Ajman)

    This was a result that dreams are made of.

    The Orange Brigade trampled all over the UAE’s most-decorated club, a 4-0 triumph being the heaviest Al Ain have suffered at home in the professional era.

    El Ramady deserves more credit. Beyond this historic result, he’s long ended talk of Ajman being a yo-yo club.

    (Twitter/@AjmanClub).

    (Twitter/@AjmanClub).

    TALKING POINT

    Can the Falcons fly free again?

    Life is never dull for the Emirates Club faithful.

    The Falcons, as always, have been locked in a battle against relegation all season. But Friday’s epic 3-2 victory at Al Dhafra, ending a nine-game winless run, has propelled them out of the bottom two and sparked talk of another great escape.

    Emirates’ indefatigable reputation has been established by finishing one point above the drop zone in 2015/16 and 2016/17, then requiring a relegation play-off to survive a season later. Will they do it again?

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