SOCCER: The week in Asian football

Talking Points from the Week in Asian Football

Simikan Header Keeps Al-Nassr on Top in Saudi Pro League

Al-Nassr maintained their hold on the top spot in the Saudi Pro League after Mohamed Simikan's stoppage-time header earned Jorge Jesus’ side a 1-0 win over Neom FC on Sunday.

Simikan nodded in Joao Felix’s free kick from the left to secure the win, keeping Al-Nassr two points ahead of Asian champions Al-Ahli. Al-Ahli had earlier defeated Saudi title holders Al-Ittihad 3-1 in the Jeddah derby on Friday.

Newcastle Battle Back to Move Four Points Clear in A-League

Newcastle Jets extended their lead in the A-League to four points with a 2-1 victory over Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday. Meanwhile, second-placed Auckland FC were held to a 2-2 draw by Perth Glory on Sunday.

Newcastle fell behind in the 20th minute through a goal from Bohzidar Kraev but responded with strikes from Eli Adams and Mark Natta to claim the win.

Shanghai Port Slip to Opening Loss in Chinese Super League

Shanghai Port suffered a 2-1 defeat to Henan FC on Saturday, making a losing start to their title defense in the Chinese Super League.

Zhong Yihao put Henan FC ahead in the opening minute, and Iago Maidana doubled the advantage 15 minutes later. Gabrielzinho pulled one back for Shanghai Port in first-half stoppage time.

Chengdu Rongcheng were the biggest winners of the opening week, thrashing 10-man Shenzhen Peng City 5-1 on Friday.

League Champions Jeonbuk Draw with Sangmu to Remain Winless

K League title-holders Jeonbuk Motors remain winless after the first two rounds of the season, drawing 1-1 with Gimcheon Sangmu on Saturday.

Jeonbuk secured a late equalizer in the 92nd minute from Bruno Mota after Hong Yun-sang had given the army side a 50th-minute lead.

Bucheon FC currently lead the early standings with four points after being held to a 1-1 draw by Daejeon Citizen.

Kashima Defeat Verdy to Maintain Lead in J-League Tournament

Kashima Antlers notched their fourth consecutive win with a 2-0 victory over Tokyo Verdy on Saturday, remaining three points clear at the top of the Eastern Conference in the J-League 100 Year Vision tournament.

In the Western Conference, Gamba Osaka lead Nagoya Grampus by two points after defeating V-Varen Nagasaki 3-2.

-Reporting by Michael Church; Editing by Edwina Gibbs/Reuters