Brazilian forward Elkeson continued his sensational start to life in China with a brace in the Guangzhou derby to send his Evergrande side top of the Chinese Super League.
With his side still with a game in hand on most of their rivals, Elkeson, 23, put in another top performance to ensure all three points against Yakubu’s Guangzhou R&F side. The former Botafogo player would score the only goals in a 2-0 win.
It could have been more, too, had he taken all of his opportunities. Within the opening minutes of the game alone, the Maranhão-born forward had seen a well-struck volley into the side-netting, and a goal incorrectly chalked off for offside.
Not to be perturbed, though, he would soon open his account with a towering header from a Sun Xiang cross, while both Muriqui and Dario Conca would threaten to increase the lead before the break.
At the other end, though, R&F should have punished the visitors for their profligacy. However, both Yakubu and Rafael Coelho were guilty of missing golden opportunities to level the score.
After the break, though, Evergrande reasserted some control over proceedings, and both Elkeson and Conca once more had opportunities to extend the lead.
The second goal would eventually come, though, as Elkeson made amends for his profligacy with the best goal of his career in China to date.
Picking up the ball outside the area, the Vitoria academy product bamboozled two defenders with some neat footwork before hammering home right footed to take his tally for the season to 12 goals in six matches.
Thanks to a 3-3 draw for high-flying Shandong, the result also gave Evergrande a chance to hit the top of the table for the first time this campaign, whilst still with a game in hand.
