Al-Tai 1-1 Al-Ettifaq: Steven Gerrard’s Men Fail To Make it Three Wins in A Row As Al-Tai Secures Crucial Point
Al-Tai and Al-Ettifaq played out a straightforward 1-1 draw at Prince Abdul Aziz bin Musa’ed Stadium last Friday. The result did not help Al-Tai, at the third bottom of the Saudi Premier League table, or Al-Ettifaq, looking to push into the top four.
Steven Gerard’s Al-Ettifaq went into the match after two consecutive wins in the league. They sought to make it three back-to-back wins and underscore their upturn in form in recent matches.
Their 35-point tally means that they trail fourth-placed Al-Taawoun by five points. They must improve their consistency to drive their ability to challenge at the top end of the SPL table in the run-in. However, the draw at Al-Tai does not help things, especially given the gap between the two sides in investment.
Al-Tai went into the match after ending a run of back-to-back league defeats, with Al-Hazm winning 1-0 at home. They sought to build their momentum further as they bid to steer clear of the relegation zone in the SPL. A draw against Al-Ettifaq is a point gained rather than two dropped.
Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq took the lead in the 16th minute through a Kari Toko Ekambi striker. The goal gave them confidence and highlighted their good form in recent matches. However, old frailties showed up as the first half wore on. They could not capitalize on their dominance and lacked the composure to create and take clear-cut chances.
Al-Ettifaq’s hesitancy invited Al-Tai back into the game, and they struck right before halftime through Virgil Misidjan. Going into the break at 1-1 was disappointing for Al-Ettifaq. Steven Gerrard could not rally the troops for the second half. They were flat and lacked cutting edge even after dominating the game with 62% of the ball, 14 shots, and 5 shots on target.
Al-Tai held on for the point, even with Al-Ettifaq having Demarai Gray sent off in additional time. Both sides will look to bounce back to winning ways in their respective matches in the Saudi Pro League.
