Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq have started the season well after they picked up a 2-1 win against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr last weekend.
Former Lyon forward Moussa Dembele scored as did Robin Quaison cancelled out Sadio Mane’s opener for the Saudi side hoping to pip Al-Ittihad to the Pro League title.
Gerrard’s side who are arguably one of the outsiders for the league title have started the season well and will be hoping to cause a stir in the Pro League this season.
A Sadio Mane goal opened the scoring for Jorge Jesus’ side but it wasn’t enough.
The atmosphere during the game for Al-Ettifaq was superb with red flares being set off throughout the game and the home fans were in full voice.
Could Steven Gerrard win Al-Ettifaq the league?
When the former Liverpool captain made the move to the Saudi side, there was skepticism from certain quarters of Twitter about the former Aston Villa and Rangers manager.
He has brought in Jordan Henderson, who was the enigmatic captain of Liverpool who was instrumental as they won the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League, as well as two domestic cups.
Henderson will bring that cup-winning experience that this squad may well never be used to. Henderson, from the middle of the park, will be able to cajole his teammates if needed and will be able to drive his teammates forward.
Gerrard also has title-winning experience when he won the Scottish Premiership with Rangers and stopped Celtic’s dominance in Scotland.
So, Gerrard has made astute signings and signings that could work well and potentially propel the side into title contention.