Gabriel Martinelli has revealed he received a message from Arsenal legend Ian Wright after scoring in the 5-1 victory against Crystal Palace. The Brazil international netted his side's fourth at Selhurst Park after he diverted a Declan Rice effort into the back of the net from close range.
With Bukayo Saka taken off because of injury, Martinelli switched to the right and played a huge role in the Gunners' third goal which was scored by Kai Havertz. After beating Tyrick Mitchell, Martinelli sent a cross perfectly onto the head of Gabriel Jesus and though he was denied another hat-trick by the post, Havertz fired home the rebound.
Earlier in the clash, two goals from Jesus put the visitors in front on two separate occasions with Ismalia Sarr initially equalising for Palace. Arsenal quickly took the game away from their opponents however, with Rice adding a fifth after Martinelli's first Premier League goal in five.
After the win, which saw Arsenal move to within three points of Liverpool, Martinelli was interviewed on Premier League Productions where Wright was a guest. Upon learning he was speaking to the Gunners Icon, Martinelli said: "How are you legend? Are you ok?"
With it clear to see Martinelli has significant respect for Wright, his response to the actual question about his recent impressive displays was perhaps telling of why he is loved by the current squad.
"You have played the game. You know how tough it is to be on this side," he said. "I'd like to say thank you for the message you sent me the other day. It means a lot to me. It's really good to score and win the game. It is an honour to, as I said, receive a message like that, the one you sent me, so again thank you so much."
While the contents of Wright's message will remain private between him and Martinelli, it is very likely he offered some wise words and told him to continue persevering. The 23-year-old will now be required more than normal with Saka expected to miss a period through injury and Raheem Sterling also suffering a new issue.
Join the football.london Arsenal WhatsApp channel
Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
Join our Arsenal WhatsApp channel and get all the latest breaking news, opinion, podcasts and in-depth stories from football.london's dedicated Arsenal writers straight to your phone!
By following this free service you will be the first to know the news from the Emirates Stadium as it happens, when it happens.
To join our dedicated Arsenal channel, all you have to do is click this link and you can join thousands of others following our Gunners coverage!
If you're curious, you can check out our privacy policy here.