Simone Inzaghi Takes Full Blame as Neom Shocks Al Hilal to End Historic 47-Game Unbeaten Run

Al Hilal's perfect start to the Saudi Pro League season came to a dramatic end on Monday after a surprising defeat against a disciplined Neom side at Kingdom Arena. Having won all five of their opening matches, Simone Inzaghi's squad stumbled against Neom, marking the Italian manager's first league loss since taking over in the summer of 2025 and shattering Al Hilal's remarkable 47-game unbeaten streak in the competition.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Simone Inzaghi stated: "We created five chances in the first half and did not convert them, and Neom's goalkeeper also shone against Mohammed Kanno's chance in the second half. I repeat that I take full responsibility for the defeat, and such defeats bring the players back to their senses."

Despite fielding high-profile attacking acquisitions signed from Premier League clubs for over $200 million—including Gabriel Martinelli making his first start after arriving from Arsenal, alongside former Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins and July signing Cyrenscio Summerville from West Ham United—Al Hilal struggled to break down Neom.

Neom seized control early when former Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly scored an own goal in the 15th minute, followed by an Ivory Coast midfielder Amadou Kone striking just before halftime to double the lead.

Even with the loss, Al Hilal maintains its position at the summit of the table, while Neom climbed to 12 points, sitting level with Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr and Al Qadsiah.

Simone Inzaghi concluded: "It is true that the management did a great job, but we are still at the top of the table, and I do not blame the players. I am the one responsible for the painful defeat, which will keep me from sleeping. We felt frustrated by the defeat, we are at the top of the table and we did not want to lose, and this is my first defeat in Saudi Arabia since I arrived, but all we have to do now is learn from this defeat."