N’Golo Kante Bags Assist As Al Ittihad Continue 100% Start to Season Despite Benzema Injury

• Al-Ittihad recorded their fourth win of the season with a comprehensive 3-0 win against Al-Wehda
• The defending champions' victory was marred by Karim Benzema's injury in the first half
• Nonetheless, N'Golo Kante got his first goal involvement since moving to Saudi Arabia as he provided an assist

Al-Ittihad continued their exceptional form this season with a convincing 3-0 triumph over Al-Wehda at the King Abdul Aziz Stadium on Monday night.

Second-half goals from Romarinho, Jota, and Igor Coronado secured a fourth consecutive victory for Nuno Espirito Santo's squad in the Saudi Pro League.

The defending league champions had difficulty penetrating the resolute Al-Wehda defence.

Abderrazak Hamdallah, last season's top scorer, came close to scoring on a couple of occasions. Their frustration deepened when marquee signing Karim Benzema suffered what appeared to be a hamstring injury and had to be substituted in the 42nd minute.

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However, despite Benzema's injury setback, the Tigers remained composed. They broke the game's deadlock three minutes after the hour mark when N'Golo Kante set up Romarinho.

Shortly thereafter, Jota, who replaced the injured Benzema, scored his first goal of the season, extending the lead between them and their hosts, Saudi Gazette reports.

Igor Coronado added the icing on the cake as Ittihad remained unblemished in their opening four games of the season.

The victory not only solidifies their position at the top of the league standings, but also marks their fourth consecutive clean sheet, showcasing their proficiency in both attack and defence.

Next up for Ittihad is a clash with their eternal rivals, Al-Hilal, in what is considered the Saudi Pro League's biggest fixture, often dubbed the Saudi version of the El Clasico, per Sportsmole.

Benzema picks up fresh injury

While picking up the resounding victory, Al-Ittihad received a significant setback with the latest injury to Karim Benzema, Sports Brief reported.

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The French striker, who recently scored his first goal in the Saudi Pro League against Al Riyadh, had to leave the field just three minutes before half-time during the match against Al-Wehda.

Benzema's injury seemed like a minor incident, but the 36-year-old couldn't shake off the injury and had to be substituted in the 42nd minute. Jota, another summer signing, replaced him.

Ittihad top Saudi League standings

Sports Brief also reported that Al-Ittihad have maintained a firm grip on the top spot in the league standings with an impressive nine points.

Adding to their dominance, Nuno Espirito Santo's squad has yet to concede a single goal in their three matches while notching up an impressive nine goals themselves.