Watkins scores on debut as Al-Hilal routs Al-Ahli to maintain perfect start

Ollie Watkins celebrates after scoring.

RIYADH, Sept 2: Al-Hilal continued its perfect start to the Saudi Pro League season with a convincing 3-0 victory over Al-Ahli, thanks to goals from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Crysencio Summerville and new signing Ollie Watkins.

The win took Al-Hilal to 12 points from four matches and put them at the top of the standings on goal difference, ahead of defending champion Al-Nassr. Al-Ahli remained seventh with six points.

Milinkovic-Savic opened the scoring in the ninth minute, firing home from inside the penalty area. Summerville doubled the lead midway through the first half with a low effort into the near corner.

Al-Ahli's task grew even harder when Merih Demiral received a red card in first-half stoppage time.

The hosts remained in control after the break, while Al-Ahli struggled to find a way back into the match. Watkins, who had earlier seen a goal disallowed for offside after coming off the bench, eventually got his name on the scoresheet four minutes before the break with a header.

Before moving to Al-Hilal, the England international played for Exeter City, Brentford, and Aston Villa. He also spent time on loan with Weston-super-Mare, which currently plays in the sixth tier of English football.

Watkins made his Exeter first-team debut in May 2014, coming on as a 77th-minute substitute against Hartlepool United in the fourth tier. Exeter won 2-0, although Watkins failed to score on his debut.