Five matchweeks into the ADNOC Pro League, the numbers tell a clear story about how matches are being won and lost.
Scoring first has proved to be the most decisive factor so far, while the penalty box remains the main source of goals, underscoring the attacking styles and defensive strengths shaping the league.
Seven clubs boast a perfect record when scoring first: Ajman, Al Ain, Al Dhafra, Al Jazira, Al Wahda, Shabab Al Ahli, and Kalba have all gone on to win every match in which they opened the scoring.
Al Nasr and Al Wasl have also performed strongly, each recording two wins and a draw after striking first.
Others have struggled. Al Bataeh and Dibba both lost the only games in which they scored first. Khorfakkan managed just one win from four such matches, while Sharjah won once and lost once after taking the lead.
When conceding first, Ajman lost every game, while Al Ain held on for a draw in their only such match.
Al Bataeh and Al Dhafra each turned a deficit into victory, while Kalba showed resilience by winning two of three games after falling behind. By contrast, Al Jazira lost both of their matches after conceding first, and Bani Yas were beaten in all five. Sharjah collected just one draw from three.
In attack, Al Ain and Al Dhafra lead the scoring charts with 10 goals each. Al Ain have been most effective inside the penalty area, with 80% of their goals coming from close range, while Al Dhafra were more balanced, with 30% of their goals from distance.
Al Jazira relied heavily on penalties, which made up 43% of their tally. Al Wasl and Dibba scored all their goals from inside the area, while Kalba and Khorfakkan showed greater variety.
Shabab Al Ahli also scored mainly from inside the box, while Sharjah netted six, including two penalties. Al Nasr scored three, all from close range, while Bani Yas remain the only team yet to find the net.
Defensively, Khorfakkan have conceded the most goals (13), including five from penalties. Dibba (11) and Al Dhafra (10) have also struggled.
At the other end of the scale, Al Nasr and Al Wahda have conceded only twice, while Shabab Al Ahli stand out as the league’s tightest defense, letting in just a single goal, and that from outside the penalty area.
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