Round 16 of the 2018/19 Arabian Gulf League delivered several stellar displays, at both ends of the table.

IBRAHIM DIAKY

(Al Ain)

In their moments of need, champions Al Ain are fortunate that they can still turn to free-kick hero Diaky.

Debutant Juan Carlos Garrido looked set for a disappointing introduction as Al Nasr held firm at 1-1 on Saturday. There is always hope, however, when Diaky is about.

For the fifth time from nine top-flight appearances this term as a replacement, the forward struck. These goals are worth their weight in points – and maybe gold.

(Al Ain).

MICHAEL ORTEGA

(Bani Yas)

For the celebration alone, Bani Yas midfielder Ortega makes this week’s list.

The Colombian midfielder headed, powerfully, from the edge of the penalty box to start the scoring in an impressive 2-1 derby victory against Al Jazira.

Remarkable flexibility then saw him bring his fingers to his eyes, like a mask. It came out after the game this was a special way to celebrate his son’s birthday.

(Twitter/@BaniyasClub).

LAURENTIU REGHECAMPF

(Al Wasl)

The Romanian would have relished this.

In November, Al Wahda decided to let go the man who led them to two trophies and second place during 2017/18.

By February, Reghecampf was relishing a tense 1-0 victory when in charge of Al Wasl.

Beyond personal satisfaction, victory ensured the ailing Cheetahs ended the weekend with a five-point gap to the drop zone.

(Twitter/@AlWaslSC).

TALKING POINT

No safe hands in the UAE

What do Ibrahim Essa, Abdulla Mohammed, Abdulla Sultan and Ali Khaseif have in common?

This maligned quartet all came up with egregious goalkeeping errors to stain this round of the Arabian Gulf League.

Such sloppy mistakes are, depressingly, par for the course in the UAE. Would a bold move to copy the Saudi’s policy of allowing foreigners lift keeping standards, or harm them further?