Manuel Neuer says Gabriel Martinelli did something ‘crucial’ to leave him spellbound

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Gabriel Martinelli saw an opportunity to expose Manuel Neuer when Bayern Munich visited the Emirates, and he did just that.

Martinelli returned to action for the first time since October and marked the occasion with a goal.

The Brazilian’s input among the goals only proved that Arsenal’s squad depth is on another level right now, as he and fellow substitute Noni Madueke got themselves on the scoresheet. 

It’s now four goals in four Champions League games for Martinelli this season, with his goal much-deserved for the work he put in to carve out the opportunity.

Manuel Neuer reacts to his mistake against Arsenal 

Man of the moment Eberechi Eze saw Martinelli make a devilish run as Manuel Neuer was incredibly far from home.

The Bayern goalkeeper was caught out as he charged towards Martinelli in the hope of dispossessing the Brazilian, but instead, the Arsenal star pulled off a decisive touch.

That touch is ultimately what led the Gunners to score their third of the night, which is what Neuer admitted after the game.

“I already saw Martinelli running at Jo [Kimmich]. I think he’s also a bit faster than Jo. That’s always going to be a big chance, I knew that,” Neuer said in the mixed zone, as provided by BILD. 

“I tried to eliminate that beforehand. And he took him to the side well. The touch was simply crucial, and the pass was good. I just couldn’t get to it.”

Martinelli was clever enough to use his first touch to send the ball beyond Neuer, then using his pace to reconnect with the ball before putting it in the net.

Arsenal had seen Gabriel Martinelli score that goal before

There are few players at Arsenal better than Martinelli when it comes to those situations.

In fact, we’ve already seen instances of the winger using his pace and ability to read the game to his advantage this season.

Remember Martinelli’s goal against Manchester City? The 24-year-old sped onto Eze’s ball over the top to finish absurdly over Gianluigi Donnarumma whilst under pressure.

On the opening matchday of the Champions League campaign, Martinelli did the same, using his pace through the middle to score against Athletic Club.

When Arsenal need an injection of pace and an additional goal threat, Martinelli is the man, giving Arteta a trusted weapon to unleash from the bench.