Al Ittihad answered their critics with a convincing 4-1 victory over Al-Ettifaq on Tuesday, a result that temporarily silences the doubts that had been building around the club after a difficult run of form. The win, which moves Jeddah's giants to fourth in the Saudi Pro League with 20 points from 10 matches, offers real evidence that Jens Weissfeller's side still has the quality to compete at the top of the table. Goals from George Ilenikhena, Houssem Aouar, and a brace from Youssef En-Nesyri gave the performance a clinical edge that had been missing in recent weeks.

The backdrop to this result has been turbulent. Speculation over Weissfeller's future had grown loud following a series of poor results, including a defeat to Al-Ettifaq's city rivals and an early exit from the AFC Champions League Elite. That noise has not fully disappeared, but a performance of this authority gives the German coach a firmer platform to build from.

Adding further colour to the week, former manager Sergio Conceicao made pointed comments about Saudi players and the league, only to later claim his words were mistranslated. Al Ittihad player Saad Al-Mousa hit back publicly, calling Conceicao's approach unethical. The off-pitch distraction did not appear to affect the squad's focus on matchday.

Ittihad host Al Diriyah next on October 23 at King Abdullah Sports City, a fixture that offers a chance to build on this momentum.