Gabriel Martinelli in the firing line as manager protects ex-Arsenal winger after shock defeat

Gabriel Martinelli started his first game for Al-Hilal against Neom.(Image: Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)

Former Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli is among the players to be protected by Al-Hilal manager Simone Inzaghi following a shock league defeat. It was just the Brazilian’s second game for the club since completing a move from the Emirates Stadium.

He came on as a second half substitute in the 2-0 win over Al-Shabab on Friday, and was drafted into the lineup three days later for the Saudi Pro League clash against Neom. That game saw Al-Hilal fall to a shock 2-0 defeat.

It was the team’s first defeat in no fewer than 48 games, and their first under the management of Inzaghi. The defeat came despite Al-Hilal lining up with an attack including Martinelli, Ollie Watkins and Crysencio Summerville, who cost a combined £171 million.

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With Al-Hilal unable to find the net with their star-studded forward line, it has led to some criticism of the performances of the attacking players. But Inzaghi has been quick to jump to their defence and take the blame himself.

"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,” he said.

The defeat saw former Chelsea man Kalidou Koulibaly score an own goal in the 15th minute before Neom doubled their lead just before half time through Amadou Kone.

On the match, Inzaghi added: "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.

"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.”

Despite the defeat, Al-Hilal still sit at the top of the Saudi Pro League table, akthiugh Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr have the chance to pull level on points when they host winless Abha later this week.

Martinelli will hope to have more of an impact when Al-Hilal return to action at the weekend. They travel to take on Al-Taawoun, who are currently 14th in the table. Their opponents are winless so far this season, but have picked up three draws from their five games.

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