Mikel Arteta picked Gabriel Martinelli over Leandro Trossard in Arsenal’s Premier League victory over Fulham, and the decision certainly paid dividends.
Arsenal ran out 2-1 winners at the Emirates, with goals from Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka cancelling out Rodrigo Muniz’ late strike.
The results sees the Gunners tighten their grip on second place in the Premier League while cutting the points deficit to leaders Liverpool to just nine.
Gabriel Magalhaes was forced off with an early injury, with this setback and Jurrien Timber’s potential issue the only negatives on a positive night for Arsenal.
Aside from Saka’s return, Martinelli’s encouraging display was perhaps the biggest positive for Arteta to take away.
Arsenal fans praise Gabriel Martinelli for Fulham performance
Arsenal fans were losing their minds when Gabriel went off injured, but they were quickly able to take their thoughts away from the Brazilian’s hamstring problem due to Martinelli’s display.
The injured man’s compatriot was electric throughout, successfully taking on Timothy Castagne on multiple occasions.
The crowing moment for Martinelli was his assist for Saka, audaciously flicking the ball perfectly into the path of the returning Englishman.
The Arsenal faithful were blown away by the piece of skill from the Brazil international, as well as his general performance.
Posting on X, one fan wrote: “That assist from Martinelli is absolute filth, by the way.”
Another added: “Martinelli wasteful at times but he hasn’t looked this lively and threatening in months.”
Meanwhile, one supporter wrote: “Martinelli has been great. Brilliant effort by Nwaneri there.”
Martinelli has been deployed off the right in Saka’s absence, and one fan chimed in by claiming the left-hand side gets the best out of the player.
They wrote: “Martinelli down that left-wing is the best version of Martinelli you’ll get.”
One fan commented on Martinelli’s pace, writing: “Like what I’m seeing from Martinelli. Electrifying pace.”
Gabriel Martinelli’s Statistics vs Fulham
Not only did Martinelli pop on the eye test, but he also put up some impressive numbers on the night.
The winger was evidently Arsenal’s creative outlet in this game, tasked with taking on his full-back and breaking the Gunners’ general sterile possession to make things happen.
| Martinelli’s Statistics vs Fulham | |
| Minutes Played | 90 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Shots | 3 |
| Expected Goals | 0.33 |
| Key Passes | 5 |
| Expected Assists | 0.3 |
| Successful Dribbles | 2/3 (67%) |
Creating five chances for his teammates, he was extremely effective at getting to the by-line and delivering accurate cut-backs and crosses.
He also managed three shots and accumulated 0.33 expected goals, so it was an excellent overall showing from the player.
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