'That's why I'm here' - Gabriel Martinelli off mark at Al Hilal with hat-trick

13/09/2026

Gabriel Martinelli with his Man of the Match award following a hat-trick in Al Hilal's win at Al Taawoun

Former Arsenal forward stars alongside fellow new boy Ollie Watkins as Simone Inzaghi's side move top of table with huge win at Al Taawoun

It didn’t take long for Al Hilal’s new attacking duo to fully hit their stride.

Granted, Ollie Watkins had already got off the mark in the Roshn Saudi League, the England international scoring on debut against Al Ahli following his high-profile transfer from Aston Villa.

Traversing the same English- to Saud top-flight route, Martinelli joined the 2023-24 RSL champions four days after Watkins. And, while the former Arsenal forward hadn't netted through his first couple of appearances, on Saturday night at Al Taawoun, he illustrated exactly why Al Hilal acquired him.

Gabriel Martnelli and teammates celebrate his first goal for Al Hilal, scoring at Al Taawoun

In a commanding 6-0 victory that sent last season’s runners-up back to the top of the table, Martinelli bagged a hat-trick. On 18 minutes, he opened his account with a fine feint and finish, adding the Watkins' earlier opener.

Then, either side of half-time, Martinelli mined another two. That provided the platform for Watkins to grab his second, and substitute Sultan Mandash to round off a bountiful night in Buraidah.

But, on Saturday at least, it was all about Martinelli.

“I'm really happy with the performance today,” said the Brazil international, Man of the Match award in hand. “The team did really well since the start of the game. I mean, 6-0, it's a good result.

"We deserved the result and was a great performance from the team. We are going to think about the next game now, but really happy with the performance and with the three goals as well.”

Star signings: Gabriel Martinelli (L) and Ollie Watkins both in the goals for Al Hilal against Al Taawoun

Goals are, largely, why Al Hilal recruited him.

“Yeah, I mean, this is why I'm here,” Martinelli agreed. “I've said it from the beginning, I'm here to help the team. I mean, sometimes I'm not going to score, but I'll help the team in the defensive part and anything I can.

“I'll be there giving my best and trying my best for this batch.”

Understandably, manager Simone Inzaghi was delighted with his new No.7.

“He is delivering high levels and great performance, and he arrived only one day before the NEOM SC match, yet he showed well. And today he was more ready and succeeded in scoring the hat-trick.”