Simone Inzaghi has come out in support of Gabriel Martinelli and Ollie Watkins after Al Hilal’s star-studded attack failed to deliver and the Saudi heavyweights saw their remarkable 47-game unbeaten league streak brought to an end. In spite of naming a frontline valued at more than $200m, the league leaders went down to a surprise 2-0 loss against Neom at Kingdom Arena.

The run is over in Riyadh

The 19-time Saudi champions were handed a chastening 2-0 defeat at home by Neom on Monday, suffering their first league loss in more than a year. The outcome also ended coach Simone Inzaghi’s flawless domestic record since his headline-making move from Inter Milan in June 2025 to take charge of the Riyadh club. Before this match, Al Hilal had opened the new season perfectly, putting together five straight wins to remain comfortably on top of the standings. But the sense of invincibility around the side disappeared in front of their own fans.

Premier League signings fail to click

The defeat is even more painful considering the huge outlay Al Hilal made in the summer transfer window to strengthen an already glittering squad. Inzaghi started all three of his marquee attackers, all signed this summer from Premier League clubs for a combined amount reported to be over $200 million. Yet, despite having Gabriel Martinelli, Ollie Watkins and Crysencio Summerville in the side, the home team could not find a way through, exposing an unusually disjointed display in the final third that will certainly worry the coaching staff.

"It is true that the management did a great job, but we are still at the top of the standings, and I do not blame the players," the manager said.

Defensive mistakes punish the champions

Although much of the attention fell on the blunt attack, the errors in defence were just as troubling for the Blue Waves. A terrible own goal by former Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly gave Neom the early advantage and set the pattern for the contest, with the visitors never looking likely to give up their lead. Matters got worse shortly before half-time when Ivory Coast midfielder Amadou Kone made it 2-0.

"I am responsible for this painful loss, which will deprive me of sleep. In the first half we did not appear as required, and we conceded two goals, and in the second half we entered strongly, but we were not lucky in scoring goals. The players did what they had to do," Inzaghi said.

The title race blown wide open

The result not only brings a historic period of dominance to a close, but also gives a huge lift to the teams chasing them in the Saudi Pro League. Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr now have a major chance to draw level on points with the leaders if they beat Abha on Thursday. Inzaghi ended the night by again stressing that he takes responsibility and that the team must react quickly in the weeks ahead.

"This is my first loss in Saudi Arabia since I arrived, and all we have to do now is learn from it. I repeat that I take full responsibility for the loss, and such losses bring the players back to reality," he said.