Dalic says it's time to look beyond Gyan

Fabio De Lima of Al Ain and Mohamed Fayez of Al Wasl vie for the ball.

 The signing of Emmanuel Emenike during the summer didn't inspire much confidence among the Al Ain faithful. The Nigerian international was tasked with filling the huge void left by Asamoah Gyan and his returns with Turkish side Fenerbahce, from whom he joined on loan, were meagre.
But the former Spartak Moscow ace has exceeded expectations and is settling well into life in the UAE. More importantly, he has put whatever little doubts the fans had, to rest.
The 28-year-old front man was on the double, late on Sunday night as Al Ain brushed off Al Wasl at the Zabeel Stadium in Dubai, to continue their Arabian Gulf League defence in perfect fashion.
Emenike slotted home a Mohamed Ahmed cross after the latter was set up by Omar Abdulrahman, two minutes after the break and then scored the second after an assist from Ryan Babel on 63 minutes.
Former Ajax and Liverpool's Babel's had fluffed two opportunities in the first half.
Emenike had four goals in 27 League appearances with Fenerbahce last season but the striker has so far netted four from three games across competitions with Al Ain. He had scored a brace in the season-opening Arabian Gulf Super Cup against Al Nasr.
And Al Ain coach Zlatko Dalic said it was time to look beyond Gyan. "With great respect to Asamoah Gyan, who did wonderful things for the club, we have to now look forward to a new future with Emenike. He played a great game and deserves a lot of support. He was also impressive in the Super Cup against Al Nasr," said Dalic.
The Croatian was also impressed with Omar, who has put an injury-plagued last season behind him and has been stellar this term, for both club and country.
"Omar is the best player in the UAE. Unfortunately, he had injuries last season and we didn't have him for long periods. But this season, he has been exceptional and I hope he continues. He still has plenty to offer and can get better and better," the 48-year-old said.
Meanwhile, Al Wasl coach Gabriel Calderon termed Al Ain as 'the best team in the League'.
Al Wasl were looking to carry on the momentum gained from defeating Al Jazira away in the opening League game, but were undone by a superior Al Ain side on the night.
james@khaleejtimes.com