Ivan Toney gives perfect response to Postecoglou in stunning Al Ahli display

Ivan Toney sent a clear message to his doubters after scoring twice for Al Ahli – his first goals for his new club.

The England striker was making his third appearance for the Saudi Pro League side and grabbed a brace and an assist in a 4-2 win over Damac.

Toney showed that he was more than just a goalscorer inside 15 minutes when he drifted to the right wing before playing a perfect pass to Gabri Veiga who gave Al Ahli the lead.

Damac drew the game level in first half stoppage time, but Toney didn’t have to wait long to find the net himself.

Almost immediately after kick-off in the second half, Veiga turned provider as he found the 28-year-old in the box.

Toney showed his poaching qualities as he prodded the ball home to make it 2-1 with his first goal for the club.

He then celebrated by putting his hand over his mouth and putting his finger in his ear.

The striker was denied the chance to open his account earlier this week when Riyad Mahrez claimed a penalty against Persepolis in the AFC Champions League. – only to miss from 12 yards.

Damac drew the game level, before ex-Liverpool star Roberto Firmino put Al Ahli back in front in injury time.

Amazingly, 15 minutes into added on time, Toney got his second of the game after VAR ruled that he was not offside for his poacher’s effort that wrapped up the win.

The result means that Al Ahli now have seven points from four games, putting them closely behind Saudi’s elite.

Toney’s stunning goalscoring bow came on the same day that Ange Postecoglou spoke out on Tottenham’s pursuit of the player.

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Spurs were heavily linked with a move for the Brentford forward, but ultimately decided to pay £65million to sign Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth instead.

Explaining Tottenham’s decision not to sign Toney, Ange Postecoglou said in his press conference: “We looked at him, but the reality was that Dom [Solanke] is the one that I wanted.

“It took the whole summer to get him in, but he was the one that fitted the profile that we wanted.”

Solanke is currently without a goal in three appearances for Tottenham, but his move to north London paved the way for Toney to complete his £40million move to Al Ahli.

After the same number of games for his new club, Toney now has a goal and an assist to his name.

Based on his performances so far, it feels like Toney is going to be very popular indeed in Saudi Arabia.