Gabriel Martinelli was Arsenal’s matchwinner against Athletic Club in the Champions League.
The Brazil international has fallen down Mikel Arteta’s pecking order following the arrivals of Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze in the summer.
Some fans even felt that Martinelli should be sold, but Arteta was adamant that the former Ituano man was a part of his plans.
On Tuesday, Martinelli came off the bench and scored against Athletic Club. He then assisted Leandro Trossard to seal the win and prove to everyone that he is still capable of delivering for the Gunners.
Bruno Guimaraes reacts to Gabriel Martinelli’s performance for Arsenal vs Athletic Club
On his day, Gabriel Martinelli is unplayable.
The 24-year-old is quick, an excellent dribbler and as he showed against Athletic Club in the Champions League, he is a great finisher as well.
However, injuries and form have let Martinelli down over the last two seasons, and that has opened the door for a ton of criticism.
At San Mames, Martinelli redeemed himself with a brilliant cameo.
He scored just 36 seconds after coming on and then turned provider for Trossard to help the Gunners kick off their Champions League campaign with a win.
After the game, Martinelli took to Instagram to celebrate the victory.
Newcastle United and Brazil star Bruno Guimaraes commented under the post: “Martishow!”
Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard proved one thing vs Athletic Club
There was a chance that one of Martinelli or Trossard would’ve been sold by Arsenal in the summer.
Eze and Madueke’s arrivals pushed both of them down the pecking order at the Emirates, and not many fans would’ve complained if one of them was moved on.
However, Arteta decided to keep both of them, and that decision helped him start his side’s Champions League campaign with a win.
Martinelli and Trossard’s performances off the bench in Spain on Tuesday night proved that when there is elite-level competition, everyone steps up.
If that continues until the end of the season, Arsenal will be a difficult team to stop.
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