Player of the week

Ali Mabkhout (Al Jazira)

Is there a better Asian striker than Mabkhout at the moment? The 24- year-old was the stand-out player in November’s Gulf Cup, bringing that form with him back to the Arabian Gulf League. Mabkhout’s hat-trick was sealed in dramatic circumstances at Al Shabab, rising highest deep into injury-time to complete his treble and secure a vital 4-3 victory.

Goal of the week
Asamoah Gyan (Al Ain)

This has been a staccato season for the AGL’s resident hitman, thus far. Suspension and injury have seen Gyan regularly sidelined, Jazira pair Mabkhout and Mirko Vucinic stealing the limelight. Class never goes away, the Ghana captain’s ability on show when trapping a raking Miroslav Stoch pass then curling the opener in with aplomb during the 3-0 win at Bani Yas.

Coach of the week
Abdelhak Benchikha (Ittihad Kalba)

Benchikha’s side tasted victory for the first time courtesy of two late goals against high-flying Al Nasr. Pain, however, is never far away for Kalba, with their Algerian boss threatening to resign during the international break after a breakdown of ties with his players.

Talking points
Nervous time for AGL bosses AGL bosses must beware the itchy trigger fingers of their presidents. A convenient time to freshen up is approaching with a month-long international break and the opening of the January transfer window. There is no better time to bring in a new coach. Ajman’s Fetthi Jebel, Sharjah’s Paulo Bonamigo and Emirates Club’s Paulo Commeli appear vulnerable. Good news for sharp out-of-work managers, such as Dzemal Hadziabdic.