Round 22 of the 2018/19 Arabian Gulf League delivered several stellar displays, at both ends of the table.
Unbeaten leaders Sharjah edged towards a first title since 1995/96 with a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Ittihad Kalba, while the bottom two of Fujairah and Dibba Al Fujairah remain in real danger.
Here are Sport360’°s top picks and a talking point:
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Ronaldo Mendes (Al Wasl)
Both player and club needed this.
Mendes was judged surplus to requirements by the previous Wasl regime, spending the first half of the campaign on loan at Fujairah.
The Brazilian playmaker’s one goal and two assists in the 3-1 win versus Al Jazira was, easily, the best since his return to Zabeel Stadium.
(Twitter/@AlWaslSC).
GOAL OF THE WEEK
Michael Ortega (Bani Yas)
A special goal in a special win for promoted Bani Yas against opponents who are, technically, still Arabian Gulf League holders.
The Colombian midfielder deftly took down a pass, spun 180 degrees, knocked the ball up and athletically summoned a perfect bicycle kick. Some way to start the scoring in a 2-0 victory versus Al Ain.
(Twitter/@BaniyasSC).
COACH OF THE WEEK
Ayman El Ramady (Ajman)
The Orange Brigade must praise the day they gave their Egyptian supremo a shot at the permanent job.
2016/17’s successful promotion has been followed by two seasons of stability in the top flight. Remarkable for this yo-yo club.
The 3-0 triumph versus Dibba Al Fujairah made life comfortable.
(Twitter/@AjmanClub).
TALKING POINT
Tribute to timeless ‘Tigali’
Timeless Al Wahda hitman Sebastian Tagliabue’s brace in the 5-0 beating of troubled Fujairah moved him top of 2018/19’s scoring chart, with 20 from 22 matches.
On the all-time list, the Argentine is now an incredible fourth after he notched one more than the iconic Adnan Al Talyani’s 129.
At 34-years old, there aren’t many campaigns left for this warrior.
Could he yet surpass Fahad Khamees’ leading 166 strikes? We’ve learned never to discount ‘Tigali’.
