Summary:
- Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli scored a stoppage-time goal against Manchester City after also shining in midweek Champions League action.
- The winger has lost his starting spot this season but is showing resilience and determination.
- Theo Walcott praised Martinelli’s response, calling him “a hard worker.”
Gabriel Martinelli’s dramatic equaliser in stoppage time against Manchester City didn’t suffice to bring all three points to Arsenal. However, it did serve as an important reminder of his true value to Mikel Arteta’s squad following his diminished role this season following a £255 million spending spree in the summer.
The Brazilian winger, once considered an automatic starter, has experienced a few turbulent months, finding himself on the bench for most of the campaign. The 24-year-old began just two of Arsenal’s first six league matches.
However, this week could be seen as a clear indicator of his much-anticipated resurgence. It all started with a strong performance in Europe, where he scored and assisted in the Champions League win over Athletic Club. Days later, his late strike salvaged a draw against Manchester City.
Theo Walcott: “He Is a Hard Worker, He Is a Grafter.”
Former Arsenal forward Theo Walcott believes the way Martinelli has responded to adversity speaks volumes about his character.
You can either sit there and sulk about things or you can actually have a look at yourself and think how am I going to affect the situation I am in. I don’t think he has ever been in this situation before, actually being constantly challenged in that position. He has had moments before when he has been on the bench, but last year he was a starter, ultimately. This year he is kind of having to accept that he is going to be in and out, but he is definitely going about it in the right way because he is a hard worker, he is a grafter.
Martinelli’s pace remains one of his greatest assets, and both goals this week came from exploiting that strength, latching onto balls played behind defenders and making his trademark darting runs.
Martinelli: “I Work for Those Moments.”
Speaking after the draw with City, he underlined his determination.
I work for those moments. I leave [selection] for the gaffer, he knows what he does. I just do my best to help this football club. Of course, I don’t want to be on the bench. I want to play 90 minutes every single game but [Mikel] Arteta knows what he does, he’s the gaffer and everyone trusts him.
Walcott added that managing confidence is key, explaining players also “have to deal with the mixed messages that can be created in this kind of narrative” when they are not starting all games. Again, how do you react to that? Do you sulk about it, or do you get on it? He obviously gets on with things.”, he reiterated.
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