Al-Ahli 3-2 Al-Shabab: Toney on target in five-goal thriller

Ivan Toney returned to the scoresheet for the first time in six Saudi Pro League games as his early strike helped Al-Ahli on their way to a nervy 3-2 victory over Al-Shabab.

The result moved Matthias Jaissle’s side three points clear of Friday’s opponents, leaving them fifth in the standings and still 10 points behind leaders Al-Ittihad.

Al-Ahli hit the front inside the opening minute when loose play in midfield saw Riyad Mahrez pick up possession before crossing to Toney, who headed past Abdullah Al Muaiouf.

The hosts doubled their advantage soon after when Roberto Firmino played a delicate ball in behind the Al-Shabab defence for Gabri Veiga to slot into the back of the net.

Saad Yaslam thought he had put the result beyond doubt when firing the ball home two minutes after the break, following up on Toney’s headed effort that hit the woodwork.

But Merih Demiral’s own-goal sparked the visitors into life, with the Tunisian defender inadvertently turning Musab Al Juwayr’s cross past Edouard Mendy.

Al Juwayr threatened a late comeback in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time after flicking Robert Renan’s cross into the net, but they were unable to find the leveller.

Data Debrief: The streak continues…just

Al-Ahli have begun to find their groove and could be in for a late title charge with the quality they have in their side, but Al-Shabab’s late push will have given them a reality check.

Nevertheless, they have now won their last five Saudi Pro League matches, the same number of wins as in their previous 11 games (won four, drawn three, lost one), triumphing in five consecutive top-flight encounters for the first time since between September and October 2018.

Goalscorer Veiga was the standout player for Al-Ahli, registering a team-high expected goals (xG) tally of 1.59 to his team’s 4.33 total, while also creating more chances (four) than anyone on the pitch.