Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli enjoyed a standout performance against Athletic Club on Tuesday night, marking his best moment for the club this season, and his actions after the full-time whistle spoke volumes. Martinelli was named as a substitute for a second consecutive match, with Mikel Arteta choosing to start Eberechi Eze, who had assisted Viktor Gyokeres' goal against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
However, in Spain, Eze struggled to make an impact and was substituted for Martinelli in the 71st minute. Just 36 seconds later, Martinelli scored his first goal of the season. A slick exchange with Leandro Trossard allowed the Brazilian to coolly slot the ball past Unai Simon, putting Arsenal ahead. He then set up Trossard to secure the three points in the Champions League group stage. "Fully deserved," said Arteta when asked about Martinelli's character to come off the bench and help his side win. "I adore Gabriel. His attitude, his commitment, his positivity, what he's willing to do for the team."
"As a family, we certainly value all the qualities that he has, and he brings to the team. And I'm so happy that today he's decided he can cross in the two options."
Following his successful appearance from the bench, Martinelli displayed more personality with a touching moment with a fan. After swapping his match shirt for a training sweatshirt, the forward approached a young Athletic Club supporter to give him his shirt.
The 24-year-old posed for a photo with the young fan by the Arsenal dugout before heading down the tunnel. Martinelli's strike at the San Mames Stadium sparked jubilant celebrations from his team-mates on the pitch.
Gabriel Jesus, sidelined through injury, rushed to social media to praise his fellow Brazilian. Sharing footage of the goal on his Instagram story, he penned: "Boa irmao Merece demais," which translates to, "Good brother, you really deserve it!"
When quizzed about the backing Martinelli received both on the field and from Jesus online, Arteta responded: "That's the spirit. That's why I really enjoy every single day working with them and being part of this team, because the way they look after each other is genuine, and they really want the best for each other.
"And they recognise someone that works every single day in a manner that Gabby does. And you can go through struggles or through moments, and recognising that and having that capacity to connect with him, I think it would mean a lot to him."