Al-Ettifaq’s Steven Gerrard Lifts Pressure With Last Gasp 2-3 Win at Al-Wehda
Heading into the away clash against Al-Wehda, Steven Gerrad was a man under pressure. His side had gone three matches in the Saudi Pro League without a win, drawing once and losing two consecutive matches.
With the termination of Robbie Fowler at Al-Qadsiah and with Nuno Espirito Santo coming under heavy pressure at Al-Ittihad, Steven Gerrard was also taking criticism for the form of his side.
Critics have specifically pointed at Al-Ettifaq’s failure to challenge at the top end of the league even after heavy spending to bring the likes of Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum, and Demarai Gray in the summer.
For long periods of the match against Al-Wehda, it looked like Al-Ettifaq’s winless run could extend to four matches before the intervention of Demarai, who grabbed a stoppage-time winner for Gerrard’s men and lifted the doom and gloom that was settling for the Englishman and his side in the Saudi Pro League.
Georginio was at hand with a brace to set up the team for the late winner. The Dutch grabbed the opener in the 18th minute before leveling things up at 2-2 in the 81st minute before Grey grabbed the winner.
Gerrard will hope that the win at Al-Wehda will be the catalyst that helps his side to recapture some form and consistency in the league. Their confidence will be sternly tested when they travel to high-flying and Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired Al-Nassr for a King Cup of Champions clash on Tuesday.
