Al Ahli need to revive flagging fortunes

Abu Dhabi: A humiliating 4-0 defeat to traditional rivals Al Nasr proved that Al Ahli's problems were not just tactical and that sacking former coach, Ivan Hasek, was only part of the solution.

And, judging by the four goals they let in while scoring none, Al Ahli's problems were also not only in defence but, to a greater extent, in attack.

The team dominated most of the first half and failed to score, despite enjoying 66 per cent of the possession in the first 45 minutes.

And their woeful finishing is evident from another startling statistic: 21 goals have been scored in all matches in the Etisalat Pro League this week and Al Ahli are the only team out of the 12 in action who have not scored a single goal.

Indeed, the Dubai outfit have scored only two goals in four matches so far this season, both at home against Emirates, a team that has been freshly promoted this season.

Telling statistics

Statistically, Al Ahli have the poorest attack and the second weakest defence, which has conceded ten goals in four matches.

Quique Flores, the team's new head coach, has a lot of work on his hands: reorganising both defence and attack, in addition to boosting the no-doubt flagging morale of his players.

Meanwhile, Al Jazira, Al Wasl and Al Ain kept on meeting expectations and won matches, with the first two succeeding in coming from behind to beat Ajman and Emirates.

However, Al Jazira in particular need to change their attitude and start taking their opponents seriously because, despite being able to win matches, they are putting up their poorest display on the field in years.

Al Nasr are the team of the week with their outstanding performance, clinical finishing and determination to save the job of boss Walter Zenga, who has succeeded in bringing the best out of his players and inspiring them to their biggest wins ever so far this season.

Al Shabab and Al Wahda were forced to settle for draws at home to Bani Yas and Dubai while Al Ain — with ten points from four games and one in hand — is the only team with a chance to level with Al Jazira at the top of the leader board.

Meanwhile Ajman coach Abdul Wahab Abdul Gadir, needs to find a way to prevent his team from losing easy points. They led 3-1 at the breather against Al Jazira and still managed to lose.

RESULTS

Fifth week: