After an eventful first round of AGL action, that included two red cards and 18 goals, Matt Monaghan looks back at the week that was.

Player of the week

Manuel Lanzini (Al Jazira)

It is proving love at first sight between Manuel Lanzini and the Pride of Abu Dhabi supporters. The Argentine struck a superb brace against Ajman, making mugs of the Orange Brigade defence for the second by dancing through them with the grace of one of Buenos Aires’ most accomplished tango performers.

Coach of the week

Anel Karabeg (Al Dhafra)
Anel Karabeg produced what is sure to be one of the most inspiring half-time team talks of the season, as Al Dhafra went from 2-0 down at the break to all-square at 2-2 against Al Wasl by the 50th minute. With such spirit, they look on course to better their eighth-place finishes from the last two seasons.

Goal of the week

Sebastian Tagliabue (Al Wahda)

Sebastian Tagliabue is a player who can look uncomfortable in link-up play and anonymous for much of a match. However, the striker comes alive when a chance appears. Given space on the edge of the box by Ittihad Kalba, he sent a thumping drive that dipped straight into the top corner.

Talking points

Is Ismail Al Hammadi now the UAE's go-to man? 
Tuesday night saw contrasting fortunes for the UAE’s finest. Omar Abdulrahman was anonymous in Al Ain’s 3-0 AFC Champions League thumping by Al Hilal, while Ismail Al Hammadi proved to be the difference for AGL champions Al Ahli once more with the only goal in the win at Sharjah. The Ahli star was voted Emirati Player of the Year last term. Can Abdulrahman respond?

Have Al Jazira spent their money wisely?
History has an entertaining habit of repeating itself for Al Jazira. They regularly boast a jaw-dropping attack, this season being no exception as Lanzini, Mirko Vucinic and Jonathan Pitroipa proved at Ajman. They conceded the highest number of goals in the top half last term, and on current evidence, the recruitment of a similarly storied defender couldn’t have gone amiss.

What now for Ibrahima Toure and Al Nasr?
Ibrahima Toure’s violent assault was unforgivable, continuing the fight with his team-mates inexcusable. The Disciplinary Committee has always stamped down on such incidents, with lengthy bans previously handed out. Already “suspended until further notice” by Al Nasr, could he be mothballed until January as the club desperately go in search of an available goalscorer?