Steven Gerrard Suffers First Loss in the Saudi Pro League as Neymar-less Al-Hilal Beat Al-Ettifaq
In a challenging Saudi Pro League encounter, Steven Gerrard’s managerial journey with Al-Ettifaq took a setback as his side succumbed to a 2-0 loss against a formidable Al-Hilal in Riyadh.
The match saw Al-Hilal, who have yet to see Neymar make his debut, seize control, securing victory with first-half goals by Malcom and Salem Aldawsari. The Brazilian star is still recovering from injury and was unavailable for the game. Without the new number 10, but with Michael and Malcom in the starting line-up, Al-Hilal created goal chances from the start of the duel and could have won with an even bigger scoreline.
Despite being led by captain Jordan Henderson, a big arrival from Liverpool in this transfer window, Al-Ettifaq struggled to get going throughout the game and couldn’t stage a comeback. This loss adds to Gerrard’s winless run in the last two games and highlights the initial challenges of his reign at one of Saudi Arabia’s prominent clubs.
Al-Hilal’s triumph propelled them to within two points of league leaders Al-Ittihad, with four games played so far. On the other hand, Al-Ettifaq remains fifth in the standings with seven points, and all eyes will be on how Gerrard will address his team’s recent slump.
