Inzaghi accepts blame as Al Hilal’s 47-match unbeaten Saudi Pro League run ends

Simone Inzaghi said he was responsible for Al Hilal’s 2-0 defeat by NEOM and admitted he would struggle to sleep comfortably after the result, which ended the club’s 47-match unbeaten run in the Saudi Pro League.

Despite fielding a high-profile attacking line-up, Al Hilal were beaten at home by NEOM on Monday in the sixth round of the league season. The result left their unbeaten sequence short of the Saudi record held by Al Ahli, who went 51 consecutive matches without defeat between 2014 and 2016.

“We watched the first half and it was not at all at the level that suits Al Hilal,” Inzaghi said in comments reported by the Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiyah.

The Italian added: “We conceded two goals and tried to score in the second half, but we were not successful. The players gave everything they had, and matches like this give us many things to learn from.”

Inzaghi said the disappointment felt by the players reflected the mood among the supporters after Al Hilal surrendered their perfect winning momentum.

“What we felt was the same as what the fans felt, which was frustration,” he said. “We were top of the table and hoped to continue our winning run.”

The defeat was Inzaghi’s first since taking charge in Saudi Arabia. He also pointed to the demanding schedule, with Al Hilal having played four matches in 10 days, but said the setback should help the team improve.

“This is my first defeat in Saudi Arabia, and we have also played four matches in 10 days, but this experience will teach us a lot,” said Inzaghi.

He took full responsibility for the loss, while insisting Al Hilal remained in a strong position at the top of the table.

“We are still at the top of the standings. The players gave everything they had, and I am responsible for the defeat,” Inzaghi said. “It hurts me, and I will not be able to sleep comfortably tonight. We will work to improve from the next match.”

He added: “Defeats like this bring the players back to reality and help us correct our path again.”

NEOM took control of the match through two first-half goals. Kalidou Koulibaly put the ball into his own net in the 15th minute, before Amadou Kone doubled the visitors’ advantage near the end of the opening period.

Al Hilal were dealt another setback before kick-off when Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was injured during the warm-up. Mohammed Al-Owais replaced him in goal.

The hosts began the match with three forwards who had arrived from the English league this season: Crysencio Summerville, Ollie Watkins and Gabriel Martinelli. However, the trio could not prevent Al Hilal from failing to score against NEOM.

The match also marked Martinelli’s first start for Al Hilal since joining from Arsenal.

Al Hilal remain top of the Saudi Pro League with 15 points, although Al Nassr and Al Qadsiah are three points behind and have each played one fewer match. NEOM moved up to fourth place after taking their tally to 12 points.