Sparky’s Column

Goal Rush

The Etisalat Pro League is back with a bang as the goals flew in to mark the start of the new season. The game of the round pre match was Al Ain versus Al Ahli and it lived up to expectation. Asamoah Gyan scored first but it wasn't the Ghanaian that grabbed the headlines but his opposite number, the Brazilian Grafite scored four as he started the season on fire. Al Ahli must be rubbing their hands together with glee after stamping their authority on the season so early in the campaign. The Red Knights are a team tipped by many for the title and they have stated their intent in a big way. The 3-6 score line asks questions of both defenses but the champions will be worried by the cracks in the back line. 

Grafite will grab the headlines scoring four and walking off with the match ball under his arm but another high scoring hero was Emiliano Alfaro who bagged a hat-trick in a 4-1 win for Al Wasl. He had just over a week to settle at the club but has taken little time to make his mark.  The relative calmness that has descended over the club post Maradona has been reflected with an assured performance on the pitch. 

Walter Zenga must be the man with the biggest smile on his face this weekend. The late show with a 2-1 win against Al Jazira was arguably performance of the week. The Italian was then bold enough to talk of bringing home the first title in 27 years to the Blue Wave. There is more than just Zenga's words to support this, two previous seasons of top three finishes means they could be ready to make the step. 

Special mention to Al Shaab who with less than a week to prepare for the new season won 4-0 against Kalba. There was a win for Al Shabab in their first league match post Bonamigo. Al Dhafra Ajman finished 1-1 and the only game of the weekend with no goals was Dubai and Fujariah. 

The next round of games standout fixtures are the Dubai derby between Al Nasr and Al Wasl. It is two teams who are full of confidence after great victories to start the campaign and Saturday's game should generate an electric atmosphere. Friday night will see Al Ahli take on Al Jazira, the capital side will be desperate to get back on form after a painful late defeat. Al Ain will be able to lick their wounds and get back on track with a result away at Ajman.