Gabriel Martinelli said scoring goals is one of the reasons he joined Al Hilal after hitting a hat-trick in their 6-0 win over Al Taawoun on Saturday.
The former Arsenal forward scored his first goals for the Saudi club in style. His three goals helped Al Hilal move to the top of the Saudi Pro League table.
Martinelli joined Al Hilal late in the summer transfer window. He had not scored in his first two appearances, but that changed quickly in his third.
Ollie Watkins opened the scoring before Martinelli made it 2-0 in the 18th minute. The Brazilian added his second shortly before half time. He then completed his hat trick early in the second half.
Watkins scored again before Sultan Mandash completed the 6-0 win. Martinelli received the Man of the Match award after his performance.
“I’m really happy with the performance today,” Martinelli said. “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 it 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.”
Al Hilal signed Martinelli to add more quality and goals to their attack. The Brazil international believes he has already started showing what he can offer.
“Yeah, I mean, this is why I’m here,” Martinelli said. “I’ve said it from the beginning, I’m here to help the team.”
However, Martinelli made it clear that his role is not limited to scoring.
“Sometimes I’m not going to score, but I’ll help the team in the defensive part and anything I can,” he said.
“I’ll be there giving my best and trying my best for this badge.” Al Hilal coach Simone Inzaghi also praised the 25 year old after his hat trick.
“He is delivering high levels and great performance, and he arrived only one day before the NEOM SC match, yet he showed well,” Inzaghi said.
“And today he was more ready and succeeded in scoring the hat trick.”
The victory took Al Hilal to the top of the Saudi Pro League with 18 points. They sit one point ahead of Al Ittihad and two ahead of Al Nassr.
