Our Arabian Gulf League reporter Matt Monaghan decides his picks of the week in the three categories: player, goal and coach of the week.
Player of the week
When the Argentine attacking midfielder plays well, Al Wahda play well. The Clarets have been in wretched form, Diaz below par because of injury. Against Al Jazira he was inspired, gaining an assist, buzzing across the pitch and never letting their Abu Dhabi rivals settle.
Goal of the week
Jires Kembo Ekoko (Al Ain)
This was a highflying team performing to their optimum. Omar Abdulrahman quickened the pace from deep, Ibrahim Diaky then driving on. Rampaging midfielder Lee Myung-joo was found just outside the box, his inch-perfect lookaway pass setting Kembo Ekoko free to fire in the crucial winner at Al Nasr.
Coach of the week
Zlatko Dalic (Al Ain)
The Croatian’s planning has been sublime thus far, getting his side close to the finishing line despite fighting on several fronts. Ahmed Barman and Diaky provided fresh energy against the Blue Wave, setting the platform for the brighter lights to shine.
Talking point
Nasr feeling the Blues
A malaise has taken over the Al Maktoum Stadium. The joy of Al Nasr’s Arabian Gulf Cup in January has led to apathy, only 11 points since taken from a possible 27 in the top flight. This run has left the Nasr board in a tricky position. Do you reward coach Ivan Jovanovic for gaining a second trophy in successive seasons after a long drought, or worry about his inability to shake his troops back into life? The presence of long-term target Dan Petrescu at a recent match proved a possible hint of the future.
