Ollie Watkins headed in a goal for Al Hilal in the 86th minute of a 3-0 victory over Al Ahli Saudi on Tuesday, four days after joining the club from Aston Villa. Manager Simone Inzaghi started Watkins on the bench and introduced him after Al Ahli were reduced to 10 men in the first half. Inzaghi told Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat that he was "very happy with the level and the technical performance the team produced."
Al Hilal have now scored 15 goals in their first four league games, with the club eyeing reinforcements before the Saudi transfer window closes on September 6. Crysencio Summerville opened the scoring and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic added another; Brazilian winger Malcom and Karim Benzema, the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner, have also joined the squad in recent weeks. Inzaghi said his team's level "will improve and develop noticeably in the coming matches" as new arrivals acclimatize.
Al Hilal and Al Nassr occupy the top two places with 12 points each from four games, with Hilal ahead on goal difference. Both clubs are among several Saudi clubs seeking to add to their squads before the September 6 deadline. Gabriel Martinelli's move to Al Hilal for €70 million is expected to be confirmed in coming days.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored as Al Nassr defeated Al Taawoun on Sunday, three days after an incident in which he appeared unhappy at being substituted during a 3-2 win over Al Ettifaq. Ronaldo was replaced a minute into the second half of the Al Ettifaq match; Al Nassr trailed 2-0 with him on the pitch but won 3-2 after his departure.
