Gary Neville says he saw Arsenal star do one of the ‘best’ things in football against Man City

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Gary Neville has compared one Arsenal player to Mohamed Salah and other Premier League greats.

Neville had a lot to say about Arsenal’s draw against Manchester City, taking up his position as a commentator for the match on Sky Sports.

It was a disappointing day for the Gunners, who, despite forcing Pep Guardiola to change his tactics, had to wait until the 93rd minute to get back in the game.

Mikel Arteta has Gabriel Martinelli to thank for getting Arsenal out of trouble in the dying embers, as the Brazilian made all the difference from the bench. 

• READ MORE: Gary Neville says Pep Guardiola knew one thing about Arsenal, it’s brutal for Mikel Arteta

Gary Neville loved Gabriel Martinelli’s run against Manchester City

Ian Wright was shocked not to see Martinelli start after his tremendous impact from the bench in the Champions League against Athletic Club. 

Still, Arteta was proven right to bring the winger into the game late on to mix things up, as City were left spellbound by the 24-year-old’s movement.

City weren’t the only ones to be taken aback by Martinelli’s run beyond the high line, as Neville applauded what the Brazil international did to get on the end of Eberechi Eze’s pass. 

“It’s a great run from Martinelli; it’s the best run in football from a wide player,” the pundit said on The Gary Neville Podcast. 

Neville went on to say that Martinelli’s movement was comparable to that of the very best wide players in Premier League history.

“The very best run in football, Mane and Salah perfected it for years, the great wide players, Arjen Robben, all the ones I played against.

“That little run inside the fullback, the in-between run, is a brilliant run.”

Of course, the chance wouldn’t have been created if it weren’t for Eze’s superb assist, but Martinelli had all the work to do as soon as he set off on his run beyond City’s line of defence. 

Martinelli’s favourite opponents – Where Man City rank

Martinelli and Eze deserve credit for earning Arsenal a point against Man City, as does Viktor Gyokeres, whose off-ball movement was integral. 

The goal was an example of Martinelli at his very best, which is what City have become victims of several times. 

The Brazilian scored a late winner against Guardiola’s side in 2023/24 and added to his tally on matchday five of this season, recording his fifth goal contribution against Man City.

City are in the top five of Martinelli’s favourite opponents to face, with the first being Liverpool, whom he’s recorded eight career goal contributions against.

Second are Crystal Palace, with Man City, West Ham and Leicester City in joint-third.

It was quite the week for Martinelli, who, finally, looks to be finding the level so many know he can hit.