Ex-Parkhead duo on target as Rodgers’ title hopes suffer blow
Brendan Rodgers has suffered his first defeat in Saudi Arabia – bringing an end to his remarkable unbeaten record as head coach of Al Qadsiah.
The former Celtic manager was appointed by the Aramco-owned club in December, just two months after his shock departure from Parkhead following a fall-out with principal shareholder Dermot Desmond.
Rodgers has enjoyed an incredible start to life in the Saudi Pro League, avoiding defeat through his opening 17 matches in charge and transforming his new club from mid-table alsorans into title contenders.
However, his hopes of landing silverware suffered a major blow on Sunday when his Al-Qadsiah side suffered a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Al-Ettifaq in the Eastern Derby.
And it was two former Celtic players who played under Rodgers who did the damage with Jack Hendry and Moussa Dembele both on the scoresheet for Steven Gerrard’s former side.
Julián Quiñones opened the scoring for Al-Qadsiah in the 33rd minute but they were reduced to 10 men just two minutes later following a red card to Mohammed Waheeb Abu Al Shamat.
Al-Ettifaq took advantage of the extra man as Scotland defender Hendry brought the home side level with a well-placed downward header five minutes before half-time. Dembele then headed Al-Ettifaq in front two minutes after the break before a penalty from Georginio Wijnaldum put the hosts further ahead.
Quiñones pulled one back for Al-Qadsiah late on as the visitors finished the match with nine men following an injury-time red card for Gastón Álvarez. Rodgers’ side are now fourth, 10 points behind leaders Al-Nassr, with seven games remaining.
Hendry, who made his first start for Scotland in almost two years against Japan at Hampden last Saturday, said: “We always knew it was going to be a difficult game because they are in really good form and doing very well in the league.
“Today was important for us. Our last game we lost against them [4-0 in February], it was a difficult defeat. But tonight we bounced back and it was very good to get the victory.
“When you get a team at the top of the league who are pushing to win the title they are going to come back hard, even if they are one man down. Thankfully we held on, but I think we deserved the win.”
On his goal he added: “It’s about time. I’ve had loads of chances in the league and I should have a lot more goals. But thankfully tonight I got that goal which has been coming for a long time.”