The 22nd round of the 2016 V-League continued to see Hai Phong’s top spot threatened after their second match with no victory and Hoang Anh Gia Lai’s extraordinary form with four consecutive wins. Let’s take a look at the five highlights in this round of play.

1. Hai Phong’s top spot threatened

Hai Phong is facing the risk of losing their top position in the V-League standings after suffering a disappointing 1-1 draw with FLC Thanh Hoa on August 21. It was the team’s second consecutive match with no victory, giving others, including SHB Da Nang, Quang Ninh Coal and Hanoi T&T, the chance to reduce the gap with an easy three points against lower-rated opponents.

2. Gaston Merlo carries on with scoring streak

Gaston Merlo contributed one goal to SHB Da Nang’s 4-1 victory over Long An last weekend, his sixth goal in six consecutive matches. Merlo is leading the V-League’s “top scorer” competition with 17 goals, two goals more than Hoang Vu Samson of T&T. If carrying on with the efficiency of one goal per match like at present, Merlo will undoubtedly pocket this year’s top scorer title.

3. Hoang Anh Gia Lai one win from safe zone

Hoang Anh Gia Lai’s Sunday victory against Sanna Khanh Hoa BVN is their fourth consecutive win in recent V-League rounds. With 27 points in hand, the Gia Lai team is holding a nine-point advantage over the second last team, Long An. Dominating face-to-face performance, Hoang Anh Gia Lai is possessing the rights to defend their place in next year’s V-League season as the 2016 tournament has just four rounds left to go.

4. A match with no goal celebration

The Hai Phong-FLC Thanh Hoa clash saw two goals split evenly for both teams. But no goal celebrations were ever seen, as both Dinh Tung and Van Thang drove the ball into the net of their previous teams.

5. Sad comeback day for foreigners

Round 22 witnessed the return of three foreign strikers Fagan, Stevens (Hai Phong) and Claudecir (QNK Quang Nam) after suspension. However, none of the players were able to score to secure their teams the full three points. Most regrettably, Stevens could not successfully convert a penalty in Hai Phong’s 1-1 draw against FLC Thanh Hoa.

Source NDN