Al Hilal are under real pressure after one of the most embarrassing results of their season so far. A 2-0 home defeat to Neom SC left the club third in the Saudi Pro League with 15 points from six games, one point behind leaders Al Qadsiah. For a squad of Hilal's ambition and resources, dropping points at home to a side of Neom's standing is a serious blow to their title credentials.

The result has intensified scrutiny around head coach Simone Inzaghi, whose position has become a talking point both inside and outside the club. Reports suggest new board member Nawaf Al-Temyat, who joined following Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal's acquisition of a 70 percent stake in the club, has been accused of blocking Inzaghi's dismissal. The Italian's future remains uncertain, and the debate around his tenure is unlikely to quieten while results stay inconsistent.

On the pitch, Hilal have also identified a weakness in set-piece situations this season and have moved to address it by bringing in a specialist coach, following a model used by clubs including Arsenal. It is a practical response, though it underlines that the squad is not yet functioning as smoothly as expected.

A trip to Al-Taawoun on Saturday offers an immediate chance to respond. With Al Nassr also on 15 points, Hilal cannot afford further slip-ups if they want to stay in contention at the top of the table.