Arabian Gulf League: A tale of two teams

Sharjah and Al-Nasr Dubai are running in the top force on the Arabian Gulf League this season.

After five matches, the two are displaying a level beyond the rest of the league, and more importantly: above their opponents in the upper side of the table. While Al-Ain and Shabab Al-Ahli are still in search of stability, the Shrajways and Al-Ameed have kicked off the season in fourth gear, looking to accelerate even more.

Al-Jazira v Sharjah

The match between the team with the biggest expectations in the new season eve, and the team that provides proofs on the field in every game.

The Mohammad bin Zayed Stadium was the stage for another spectacular show by Igor Coronado. Sharjah’s Brazilian magician produced another perfect performance. He scored himself in a penalty in the 38th minute and kept his friends, especially Caio Lucas and Welliton, dangerous and vital throughout the whole match.

Although Al-Jazira’s talented midfield held the ball for the majority of the time, striker Ali Mabkhout wasn’t accurate and missed two mega chances. It seems that despite purchasing the Nigerian striker Imo Ezekiel, who is yet to find his place in the team, Al-Jazira is craving for a right and a left-backs that will push the team’s game from the flanks, and will create dangerous crosses.

While it is only five matches into the season, it is obvious that Al-Jazira got the talent and the materials to create a great team, but this group of players needs the time to connect and mature. Dutch coach, Marcel Keizer, who wants to carry his team out of their dull form, and will need to remain patient before he looks for new blood in January. Al-Jazira, on paper, is one of the most talented teams in the Gulf. The question is when it will pick, and if they need any additions from the transfer market.

Meanwhile, Sharjah is already with away victories over Al-Ain and Al-Jazira. Have I mentioned the levels already?

READ: The Arabian Gulf League Fourth Matchday Summary

Hatta v Al-Nasr

Can 2021 mark the end of a 35 year-long wait of the Blues from Dubai? It definitely could be. On Sunday, the team gained another convincing victory, this time against the newly promoted Hatta, 0-3. Dia Saba, the Israeli attacking midfielder that arrived in a historical deal from Guangzhou R&F, kept his terrific form when he found Sebastian Tagliabue with an outstanding lob-pass from the right straight to the box, and the Argentine-Emirati veteran striker scored after beautifully taking control the ball. It was Saba’s third assist in four games, and you can tell that he is smoothly slid into the creative attacking-mid role that coach Krunoslav Jurčič assigned him to.

Brandley Kuwas the Curaçaoan added the second before halftime, and in the second half, Tozé the Portuguese converted a penalty to make a clear win for the Nasrawys. They look confident and ready to fight for the Emirati title for real after many years.

Hatta, on the other hand, are a complete wreck. One point out of 15 and a goal difference of -14 at this stage are massive hints for the first relegated team of the season.