Gabriel Martinelli played a massive role in helping Arsenal to a 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbaoplaceholder image
Gabriel Martinelli played a massive role in helping Arsenal to a 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao | Getty Images
Super-sub Gabriel Martinelli inspired Arsenal to a vital 2-0 win against Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League
Gabriel Martinelli was the hero of the evening as Arsenal recorded an important 2-0 victory in a tricky away match against Athletic Bilbao at the Estadio San Mamés.
Last season’s Europa League semi-finalists frustrated Arsenal with a disciplined defensive performance and looked set to secure a point from the contest before Martinelli turned the game on its head with a goal less than 60 second after coming on from the subs bench.
The Brazilian international combined beautifully with Leandro Trossard, who himself had only been on the pitch a matter of minutes, to score with an incredible turn of pace before slotting the ball past Spanish international Unai Simón.
Martinelli continued to cause havoc for the Bilbao defence after his goal and had the beating of his defender throughout the final 15 minutes as the Gunners continued to push for the all-important second goal. The 24-year-old, unsurprisingly was involved in helping them get that, taking on Andoni Gorosabel with ease before returning the favour for Trossard by assisting the club’s second goal.
The result will come as a huge positive to Mikel Arteta, who was really able to flex the quality of his squad depth on the European stage, just days after an equally impressive 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
Gabriel Martinelli praised for ‘top mentality’
Gabriel Martinelli’s consistency throughout the last two seasons has divided opinion with some sections of the Arsenal fanbase. However, Fabrizio Romano says that those inside the club still value the player highly and are really happy with his contribution.
The goal marked Martinelli’s first of the season, ending a four match streak without a goal, while notably also ending a 12-game streak without an assist.
Could Gabriel Martinelli start against Manchester City this weekend?
Gabriel Martinelli had been dropped from the line-up for the 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest but will now hope to work his way back into the line-up for the game against Manchester City, where he does boast an impressive recent record. He notably registered assists in both matches last season, inspring the team to a 5-1 win at the Emirates and a 2-2 draw in an eventful draw at the Etihad. He also scored against them in the home match in 2023/24 as the Gunners secured an impressive 1-0 victory.
Martinelli offers incredible pace to run in behind defenders, great technical ability and an eye for goal. However, he faces strong competition from both Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke for a starting spot at the weekend.
Caught Offside reported back in August that Martinelli’s inconsistent performances and Eze’s arrival had attracted a number of Saudi clubs to test the waters with an enquiry. However, at this stage it’s thought he still has a big role to play in Mikel Arteta’s plans.
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