AGL Week 4 in review: Draws galore but Dibba fight back to earn famous win over Al Jazira

Chilean midfielder Jorge Valdivia, left, proved his worth to Al Wahda, helping his side defeat his former club Al Ain. Adil Alnaimi / Al Ittihad

With all but two teams having completed Round 4, we take a look at the latest talking points from the Arabian Gulf League.

Dibba 4-2 Al Jazira

The round’s shock result. Dibba had struggled on return to the top flight this season but registered their first victory thanks to a stirring comeback against Jazira, runners-up last year. The hosts were 1-0 and then 2-1 down, with Jefferson Farfan and Fares Juma scoring either side of a Boris Kabi goal. However, Dibba responded from the 73rd minute. Saeed Mohammed drew them level, before Tariq Ahmed and Bakary Kone scored in the final five minutes to seal the win.

Baniyas 1-1 Al Shabab

Teams that have begun the season well settled for a draw, although Shabab were the least content with a point. Fawaz Awana opened the scoring early for Baniyas and summer signing Jo equalised for the visitors with 10 minutes remaining. It was fully deserved, given Shabab created the better chances in the second half. With the draw, both sides remain unbeaten in the league this campaign.

Al Wahda 2-1 Al Ain

A determined display from the hosts sealed their first victory in three league matches. Sebastian Tagliabue struck twice, once in either half, while Emmanuel Emenike pulled one back for the champions just after the hour. Two decisions went Wahda’s way: Hamdan Al Kamali was lucky not to see red for kicking out at Ryan Babel, while Tagliabue was marginally offside when he doubled his side’s advantage. Wahda had Ismail Matar sent off late. In losing, the holders relinquished their 100 per cent start to the league season.

Emirates 1-1 Fujairah

A lively encounter despite the score. Patrick Eze continued his fine form for Fujairah since joining this summer, with the Nigerian scoring in first-half stoppage time to take his tally to five goals across all competitions. However, Mohammed Malalla levelled on the hour. There was still time for Wilmar Jordan to go close for Emirates, while Hassan Maatouk twice struck the woodwork for Fujairah, once from the penalty spot.

Al Dhafra 1-1 Al Shaab

These two continue to scratch around for a first league victory of the campaign. Dhafra will feel the more satisfied with the result, even though Makhete Diop missed a second-half penalty. Yet the Senegalese redeemed himself by heading home with only four minutes remaining. It was tough on Shaab, who had taken a 17th-minute lead through Mohammed Salem. The draw does little to help either — the two prop up the rest of the league, with Shaab bottom.

Sharjah 1-1 Al Nasr

The round’s final fixture threw up its fourth 1-1 draw. Nasr seemed set to maintain their 100 per cent record in the league when Jonathan Pitroipa scored a superb opener in the 23rd minute — his second goal in two games. However, Sharjah, without a point this season, responded well, with summer signing Maicosuel’s brilliant run and finish right on half time restoring parity. Nasr push forward in an attempt to secure a fourth win from four, but they still top the standings.

Players of the week

Sebastian Tagliabue

The Argentine striker scored both Wahda’s goals in their victory against Al Ain, but that tells only half the story. Tagliabue encapsulated his side’s grit and determination by always hounding opponents, while he also made himself available any time Wahda were under pressure. He now has 10 goals across all competitions this season.

Tariq Ahmed

The Dibba winger was the standout in his side’s stunning victory, tormenting the Jazira defence whenever he received the ball. Playing on the left flank, Ahmed allied skill with a prodigious work rate, and capped off a fine performance with a brilliantly chipped goal to give Dibba the lead late on.

Maicosuel

Another summer acquisition, the Brazilian was recruited to provide Sharjah with something extra in the final third. He displayed that against Nasr, offering a performance full of adventure and application. The highlight was his equalising goal, when Maicosuel collected the ball, drove at the Nasr defence and drilled a low shot into the net.

Talking points

Braga’s indifferent start

It is perhaps unfair to concentrate on Jazira after Dibba’s first victory, but the capital side have begun the campaign in inauspicious fashion. This was not supposed to happen, since Abel Braga was back coaching the club he guided to their only league title, in 2011. Jazira spent considerably in the summer, too. Yet they have lost twice in four league matches: at home to Al Wasl and now at Dibba. They can ill afford many more.

Valdivia underlines his value

One of the league’s most exciting captures this summer, much is expected of Jorge Valdivia. The Al Wahda playmaker’s contribution has been fleeting, however, since his debut was delayed and then suspension ruled him out last week. Yet Valdivia was back in the line-up for the victory against former club Al Ain, when he did not disappoint. Creative and combative (he assisted Wahda’s winner), he was a constant thorn in the champions’ side. Will only get better.

Tougher tests to come for Nasr

Make no mistake, Nasr’s start to the season should be celebrated. The Dubai club, without a league title in nearly 30 years, sit top having gleaned 10 points from a possible 12. However, they have played Emirates, Dhafra, Wasl and Sharjah. More difficult assignments lie in wait, with Wahda, Shabab, Jazira and Al Ain to come in four of their next five fixtures. Only then will we have a true idea of where Nasr stand in the title race.

Quote of the week

“I only scored, but there were another 10 lions out there – my teammates. They won the game.”

– Al Wahda’s Sebastian Tagliabue typically gracious following his side’s hard-fought 2-1 win against Al Ain. The Argentine grabbed both Wahda’s goals.

Stat of the week

9 – Old failings have come back to haunt Jazira. Last season’s porous defence – the third worst in the division – cost them the championship and they have conceded nine times already this campaign. Only Fujairah have been breached more. Simply not good enough for supposed title challengers.

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