Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson's Al-Ettifaq misery continued with a 2-0 defeat to Al-Taawoun on Saturday.
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Ettifaq beaten handilyHave not won in seven gamesOnly scored once in those fixturesWHAT HAPPENED?
Ettifaq were beaten 2-0 by Al-Taawoun on Saturday, as goals from Aschraf El Mahdioui and Mateus Castro proved decisive. Gerrard's side managed just one shot on target, despite fielding an XI boasting the likes of Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum and Moussa Dembele.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT GERRARD SAID
Gerrard took aim at the referee after the game, saying: "Why are huge sums of money being paid to foreign referees in the Saudi League? We were penalised with an incorrect penalty, it was a natural contest. While the referee did not award us a penalty for a handball, so the series of not awarding penalty kicks for Ettifaq continues."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Ettifaq have not won a game since October 28, when they beat Al-Wehda 3-2. Since then, they have lost to Al-Nassr in the King Cup of Champions, as well as Al-Akhdoud. They have also drawn four games in that time, with their only goal coming in a draw with Al-Ittihad at the end of November.
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR GERRARD?
It remains to be seen if his rant after the game will lead to repercussions from the Saudi Pro League. However, in the meantime, he will be preparing his side for a clash with Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr.