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A review on the seventh round matches

 

Al-Shabab have succeeded in hindering Etisalat Pro League leaders Al-Jazira's winning streak and made them taste the bitterness of defeat for the first time after their unbeaten march in seven games. The defending champions, Al-Jazira, did not lose even a single game since the 21st round of the previous season when they were beaten by Al Ain and the outcome of that game did not deprive Al Jazira from being crowned champions after the title was settled earlier before several rounds. But Al Jazira lost their match this time against a formidable squad who are also competing to snatch the trophy and they are located only four points behind leaders Al Jazira and a win for Al Shabab in tomorrow's postponed game over Sharjah, will reduce the deficit to one point.

A number of Al Jazira players assured that their loss to Al Shabab was better at such an early time than any other stage especially in the second round where there is no chance to compensate for any loss. Al Shabab have restored their winning tone after losing four points as a result of drawing with Bani-Yas and Al Wasl in the fifth and sixth rounds respectively. Their Brazilian striker Ciel played with high mood and he caused a headache for Al Jazira's defense with his rapid movements. He scored two of his team's three goals including the winner which put the game beyond Al Jazira reach one minute to time.

 It seems that the three-team battle will reach its ignition point after the end of the two postponed games due to kick off tomorrow, Tuesday, between Al Ahli vs. Al-Ain, and Sharjah vs. Al Shabab. Al Ain may take leadership, in case of defeating Al Ahli; Al Shabab may also come close to the top if they beat Sharjah, as in this case they will be only two points behind Al Ain and one point form Al Jazira. Five teams might move into the competition zone if it happens that Al Nasr and Al Wahda continue their winning streak and they may be six squads if Al Wasl returned to their winning ways.

 Al Wasl lost five points in the last two games and they will endeavor to compensate in the upcoming games so as to join the leading teams. Therefore, we expect a fierce competition in this season that may continue throughout the forthcoming rounds, and probably the champions may be determined only in the last round.

Al Nasr well organized defense closed all the gaps on the face of Bani Yas players and spoiled all their attempts to come closer to Abdullah Musa goal area who amended all the mistakes he committed in Sharjah sixth round match. Even after Bani Yas scored the equalizer, Al Nar launched quick counter-attacks that resulted in the winner which assured Al Nasr wakefulness in the last encounters.

Al Wahda are close to the lead after beating Sharjah with a lone goal, and may be one of the competitors to win the title. The 7th round has witnessed the return of Al Ahli to their winning streak  after beating Dubai and won three points that took them to the mid of the tablet. Ajman also maintained their second victory over Emirates to take seventh place with nine points.

Dubai team are still looking for their first win after a fifth defeat at the hands of Al Ahli despite of playing at home and in front of their spectators. They are staying at the bottom of the standings with two points from two draws against Al Shabab and Al Wahda. The same thing applies to Sharjah and Emirates teams who are sitting in the 10th and 11th positions. The three teams that staying at the bottom of the ranking have become more threatened to relegate, though 15 rounds are still there.  But caution is required from the very beginning along with hard work so as to avoid staying at the last spots.

On the other hand Brazilian Ricardo Oliveira striker of Al Jazira is leading the scorers with seven goals, although he did not score against Al Shabab, followed by Ibrahima Toure of Ajman and Brazilian Barry striker of Al Jazira with six goals each.

 The teams scored only 15 goals in the 7th round against 30 in the sixth round at a rate of 2.5 goals per game. Al Shabab vs. Al Jazira game saw the highest number of goals as Al Shabab beat Al Jazira 3-2.