Steven Gerrard 'takes responsibility' as nightmare Saudi run continues in cruellest fashion

Steven Gerrard's testing spell in Saudi Arabia continued on Thursday evening after his side's winless run stretched to two months.

Al-Ettifaq last tasted victory on October 28 and have only one win in their previous 13 outings in all competitions, leaving them only eight points above the relegation zone.

Gerrard will have felt three points were finally coming earlier this week against Al Hazem, who are bottom of the league, though Demarai Gray's goal was cancelled out by a last-minute equaliser as the away side earned a share of the spoils.

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The pressure is now beginning to mount on the Liverpool great as a result of poor performances on the pitch, leaving him calling for new signings ahead of the January transfer window to help transform the team's fortunes.

"I am the first to hold responsibility and I will not blame anyone," said Gerrard after Al-Ettifaq's 1-1 draw this week. "Al Kuwaykibi came on as a substitute against Al-Nassr and performed well, which is why he deserved the opportunity to start.

"I know our financial capacity well and we have the opportunity to make signings that will improve the team. You can find players in other teams who scored 13 goals. We have Moussa who scored eight, Gini scored six and the rest either scored one or two goals."

There is now a lengthy break in the Saudi Pro League, with teams not in action again until mid-February, enabling Gerrard to take stock of the situation and identify areas of weakness. One position Al-Ettifaq may look to strengthen in is attack. Their current top-scorer is ex-Celtic striker Moussa Dembele, whose seven league