Player of the week: Mirko Vucinic (Al Jazira)

There could only ever be one winner for the title of the week’s best player. Vucinic’s four strikes in Al Clasico showed a top-level striker operating at the maximum. Particularly telling was the build-up to his second. A feint took him away from Ismail Ahmed, who was completely bamboozled by the movement.

Coach of the week: Ivan Jovanovic (Al Nasr)

The Serbian’s hard work on the training pitch bore fruit with a 3-0 win at Ajman. Ibrahima Toure returned from suspension, teaming up with Ivan Trickovski for the first time. The pair were electric, sharing the three goals.

Goal of the week: Mirko Vucinic (Al Jazira)
The ode to Vucinic continues. His fourth goal was worthy of winning any game. Little seemed on as he raced onto a hopeful pass on the edge of the box. Confidence surging through his veins, a swerving low effort from the tightest of angles was produced. The disbelief on goalkeeper Khalid Essa’s face was testament to its quality.

Talking points: Spirit over superstars
Al Wahda don’t boast the Arabian Gulf League’s biggest budget or widest array of stars. But they show
determination unlike anyone else. Sunday’s victory at Al Shabab was the fourth time they have conceded the first goal in five fixtures this term. This ability to rally is worth its weight in gold.

Time is now for Al Kamali
Hamdan Al Kamali cut a disconsolate figure last term. His aggression too often turned into wrecklessness. A more mature figure has emerged this term, however. The UAE failed to impose themselves against larger opposition in the summer. Al Kamali’s refined physicality teamed with the gargantuan Ismail Ahmed could be the cure for the Gulf Cup.