Arsenal fans were fuming at one Manchester United star for “ruining” a huge moment for Gabriel Martinelli in his Brazil career.
The winger was called up to be part of Carlo Ancelotti’s first squad for World Cup qualifiers, playing a role in the match with Paraguay.
In a tight game, the Selecao walked out 1-0 winners, pushing them even closer to confirming their qualification for next year’s World Cup.
It wasn’t the most comfortable of scorelines, as Vinicius Jr proved to be the difference, but it could’ve been much easier.
Gabriel Martinelli showed his quality, but the Arsenal star was let down by a Manchester United ace in the process.
Arsenal fans fume with Matheus Cunha after messing up Gabriel Martinelli moment
Gabriel Martinelli’s international career is yet to hit the heights, with the Arsenal man in and out of the squad on a regular basis.
As he looks to seal his place in the Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup, he would’ve wanted to walk away with a goal involvement to show for his efforts.
He nearly did too, as the 23-year-old burst down the left flank before hanging up a tempting delivery to the back post.
With a free header at goal, Matheus Cunha totally missed the target and an opportunity to put Brazil in the lead.
If Cunha, who was an Arsenal transfer target, managed to score, then it would’ve gone down as Martinelli’s first assist for Brazil.
Instead, fans were left fuming with the Man United man, with one stating: “MARTINELLI WITH AN AMAZING ASSIST TO MAKE IT 1-0 BUT THE “striker” WHO CAN’T SCORE MADE SURE TO KEEP THE SCORE AT 0-0.”
Another added: “Cunha wasting a Martinelli assist.”
“Cunha wasted this beautiful Martinelli assist. Thank God he joined United,” another fan claimed.
“Fantastic goal line clearance defending from Cunha,” one supporter said sarcastically. “Making sure Martinelli does not get an assist.”
Other fans looked towards the future, stating: “Martinelli to Sesko next year for Arsenal, he doesn’t miss that header Cunha messed up there. Should have been a goal.”
While it was an opportunity missed for Martinelli to reach that milestone for Brazil, his overall performance has created some optimism for his place in the World Cup squad.
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Arsenal dodged a bullet with Matheus Cunha transfer snub
Arsenal showed transfer interest in Matheus Cunha as an option to help bolster their forward ranks this summer.
The Wolves star, after an impressive Premier League campaign, could have joined to increase the goal-scoring potential of the side.
However, his eventual move to Manchester United may have worked out for the best at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal need a penalty box striker, someone who can occupy space between the sticks and score with snapshots and headers.
Cunha isn’t that, he plays more like a number ten, with plenty of world-class goals in his armoury, but less of a clinical nature right in front of the goal.
For that reason, missing out on him isn’t such a big deal for the Gunners, and he has proven just that.
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