Image Credits: Imago Images
Football can turn a single moment into a story that follows a player for days. For Liverpool fans, Thursday’s Premier League clash at The Emirates was one of those moments.
Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli came under heavy criticism after he tried to push Liverpool right-back Conor Bradley off the pitch in the closing stages.
Bradley went down with a serious knee injury, which will require surgery, ruling him out for the rest of the season.
The incident sparked boos and anger. Martinelli immediately apologised, but the question remained: how would he respond on the pitch next?
Just three days later, in the FA Cup at Fratton Park, Martinelli provided the answer. He scored a hat-trick in a 4–1 win over Portsmouth, showing resilience and character in the face of criticism.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was clear about what that response showed.
“That kind of criticism is part of football and then it’s about how you take it,” he said after the game. “But Gabi knew inside the reason why he did what he did.”
Arteta added that Martinelli’s reaction was shaped by his personality and understanding of the game. “I think Arne Slot spoke brilliantly after the game.
He explained the situation and the fact that Gabi had no intention whatsoever to damage any player.”
Arteta used the example to highlight the mentality required at a top club. “That’s why, to play for a big club, you need a big personality,” he said.
“It can be bad, it can be an action that you miss, it can be something that costs you a game. And three days later, there is a game. So you need to lift yourself up and make it count.”
He also praised Martinelli’s consistency and work ethic. “I love that about his attitude. Gabi, in every context that you throw him in, whether he plays, or he doesn’t play, he reacts the same.
Tomorrow, he’s going to train 100 miles an hour, for sure. He’s not going to change that. And that’s Gabi.”
From a Liverpool perspective, Bradley’s injury is serious. But Martinelli’s quick hat-trick demonstrates how players can respond to criticism and pressure.
On the pitch, he made his statement loud and clear.
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