With Week 3 of the 2015/16 Arabian Gulf League in the books, we take a look at the top players and talking points from the latest round.
Players of the week
Jires Kembo Ekoko Al Wasl's Yaser Salem will not want to watch video replays of the opening goal in the latest Bur Dubai derby. He was made to look silly as Kembo Ekoko shimmied around him several times before the French-born frontman struck a powerful shot into the goal. The former Al Ain man then turned provider for Jonathan Pitroipa in the second half and celebrated wildly as Al Nasr won 2-0.
Sebastian Tagliabue Leading by two goals as they entered the final 20 minutes of the game, Al Jazira looked to be in control of the Abu Dhabi derby on Friday. But Tagliabue's piercing volley in the 73rd minute brought Al Wahda back into the game, and the Argentine then converted from the spot in the final minute of time to make it 2-2. Yaser Matar did eventually get the winner for Jazira, five minutes into added time, but Tagliabue's goals breathed life into the game.
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Joaquin Larrivey The Argentine might not have been among the big names to sign up for the Arabian Gulf League this summer, but he looks a great acquisition by Baniyas, especially after his three goals in the 3-3 draw against Fujairah. Larrivey muscled his way past the defence for the first, showed excellent poaching skills in scoring the second and then struck the equaliser with his team a man and a goal down.
Talking points
Relief for Babel The former Netherlands international has been under pressure since he signed for Al Ain, criticised by fans and the media for his modest performances on the pitch and his sharp retorts on social media. His goal in the 2-1 win against Sharjah, his first for Al Ain, then must have come as a big relief. And it was a great finish. Earlier, Babel had also provided the cross for Rashid Essa's opening goal.
Khamis blow for Jazira A crucial player for both club and country, Al Jazira's Khamis Esmail has been ruled out of action for eight weeks after damaging his lateral ligament in the Abu Dhabi derby against Al Wahda. The injury means Ismail will not be available for the UAE's 2018 World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia on October 8 and could also miss the two following matches against East Timor on November 12 and Malaysia five days later. While Mahdi Ali has more than a few alternatives, the national team manager would have preferred the imposing presence of Ismail in midfield for those games.
Shabab miss Luvannor Henrique Luvannor must have been cursing his luck as he sat in the stands and watched Al Shabab forced to share a point by a defiant Dibba. The Brazilian-Moldovan, a crucial cog in Caio Junior's squad, was unlucky to see red in the last league match, against Al Wahda. He was brought down by Hamdan Al Kamali, but the referee saw things differently and booked Luvannor instead, for the second time in the game, denying Shabab his services for the 0-0 draw with Dibba. To err is human, of course, but some errors carry a heavy price tag.
Quote of the week
“We had a team who were intent on wasting time and this is not good football. How can we attract fans to the games if we are playing like this? Such things alienate the masses and I believe the officials should intervene and stop teams from spoiling the fun of football.” – Cosmin Olaroiu, the Al Ahli coach, accusing Al Dhafra of playing negative football
arizvi@thenational.ae
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