Al-Hilal Keep Winning but Questions Remain Over Inzaghi’s Team

Al-Hilal continued their winning start to the Saudi Pro League season with a 3-0 victory over Al-Fayha on Thursday, but the result did little to ease concerns about the team’s performances under head coach Simone Inzaghi.

The victory was Al-Hilal’s third in six days, following wins over Al-Faisaly in the league and Al-Raed in the King Cup. The three results have produced nine goals and only two conceded, but supporters remain unconvinced by the team’s overall level of play.

Inzaghi was retained for a second season after an impressive first campaign. He guided Al-Hilal to the Club World Cup quarter-finals during his first month in charge, including a draw against Real Madrid and a victory over Manchester City.

He also led the club to the King Cup title, finished second in the league after taking the title race with Al-Nassr to the final day and saw his AFC Champions League Elite campaign end on penalties.

His record stands at only one defeat in 55 matches, yet expectations at Al-Hilal remain exceptionally high.

The club has previously shown little patience with successful coaches. Jorge Jesus was dismissed during his first spell in 2019 despite Al-Hilal sitting top of the league table.

Inzaghi is not currently under serious pressure, particularly after three consecutive victories, but supporters are concerned that the team lacks the intensity and cohesion associated with the club’s best performances.

Against Al-Fayha, Al-Hilal often moved the ball slowly and left spaces in central areas. Karim Benzema also struggled to make a significant impact in attack.

The visitors finally took the lead in the 31st minute. Mohammed Kanno combined with Crysencio Summerville on the left before Summerville’s effort was saved by goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic reacted quickly to score from a tight angle.

Al-Hilal doubled the lead only 23 seconds after the restart. Kalidou Koulibaly sent a long diagonal pass toward Sultan Mandash, who controlled the ball before cutting inside and finishing with his left foot.

Summerville had a chance to score his first goal for Al-Hilal from the penalty spot in the 81st minute, but his attempted Panenka struck the crossbar and went out.

Nasser Al-Dawsari added the third goal in the 88th minute to complete the victory.

The win keeps Al-Hilal moving in the right direction, but the club’s supporters will expect a stronger performance as the season progresses.

The next test comes on August 28 away to Al-Khaleej, a fixture that has proved difficult for Al-Hilal in recent seasons. Before then, Al-Nassr face Al-Riyadh on Friday, while Al-Qadsiah host Al-Ittihad in one of the first major league contests of the campaign.