Round 3 of the 2019/20 Arabian Gulf League delivered several stellar displays, at both ends of the table.
Champions Sharjah earned a dramatic 3-2 victory against Al Ain thanks to another dose of Igor Coronado magic, while Ajman’s outstanding start continued with a 1-0 win at floundering Al Wasl. An acrobatic strike from Abdullah Al Seiari also earned promoted Hatta an opening win of the season, to the detriment of Ittihad Kalba.
Here are Sport360°’s top picks and a talking point:
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Igor Coronado (Sharjah)
Igor Coronado (l, UAE Pro League).
Fresh superlatives run in short supply when the Brazilian playmaker is involved.
The reigning Foreign Player of the Year ran rings around Al Ain in a valuable 3-2 win – literally speaking on his way to forcing a fine first-half save. His penalty was expertly dispatched and the first-time hit from 20 yards that made it 2-2 utterly divine.
GOAL OF THE WEEK
Abdullah Al Seiari (Hatta)
Abdullah Al Seiari (UAE Pro League).
A moment of genuine inspiration earned promoted Hatta a first three points of the campaign.
There seemed little on when Mahmood Qassim lopped a hopeful cross in. But Al Seiari wheeled off the last man and struck a stupendous bicycle kick to inflict a 1-0 defeat on managerless Ittihad Kalba.
COACH OF THE WEEK
Ayman El Ramady (Ajman)
Ayman El Ramady (Twitter/AjmanClub).
These are historic times for the Orange Brigade.
A return of seven points from three matches is their best-ever start in the top flight – and El Ramady, in his fourth season, has engineered it.
Added value came from late summer addition Bubacarr Trawally lashing the only goal into the bottom corner against awful Al Wasl.
TALKING POINT
JAZIRA SHOW THEIR METTLE
A flood of goals were expected when title pretenders Al Jazira and Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club met.
That a goalless draw followed actually spoke volumes about the host’s improved hopes this term. They had conceded a punishing 41 times in 26 top-flight games last term, draining points away after a vibrant start to finish fifth.
Serbia centre-back Milos Kosanovic already resembles the division’s smartest signing of the summer, while youngsters Mohammed Al Attas and Khalifa Al Hammadi have matured nicely. These players are perfect compliments to a vibrant attack.
