Sports
Inzaghi Takes Blame as Al Hilal's Unbeaten Streak Snapped by Neom
Al Hilal's unbeaten run in the Saudi Pro League came to an end on Monday, as the club suffered a 2-0 defeat to Neom at Kingdom Arena. The loss marked the first league defeat for manager Simone Inzaghi since he took over the team in the summer of 2025, and it broke Hilal's 47-game unbeaten streak in the competition. Prior to the match, Hilal had won all five of their opening fixtures this season.
Speaking after the game, Inzaghi acknowledged his side's missed opportunities. "We created five chances in the first half and did not convert them, and Neom's goalkeeper also made a strong save against Mohammed Kanno's effort in the second half," he said. "I take full responsibility for the defeat, and such losses bring the players back to their senses."
Inzaghi fielded all three of his marquee summer signings from Premier League clubs, whose combined transfer fees reportedly exceeded $200 million. Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli made his first start for the club after joining from Arsenal the previous Thursday, just days after former Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins arrived. Winger Cyrenscio Summerville, who joined from West Ham United in July, also featured.
Despite fielding this attacking trio, Hilal struggled to break down Neom's defense. The hosts fell behind in the 15th minute when former Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly turned the ball into his own net. Ivory Coast midfielder Amadou Kone doubled Neom's lead just before halftime.
Despite the loss, Al Hilal remain atop the league standings. The win lifted Neom to 12 points, level with Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr and Al Qadsiah.
Inzaghi reflected on the result, saying, "The team management has done excellent work, and we remain at the top of the table. I don't blame the players — I am the one responsible for this painful defeat, which will keep me up at night. We're frustrated because we didn't want to lose while leading the league, but this is my first defeat since arriving in Saudi Arabia, and we must learn from it."