Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta hailed Liverpool manager Arne Slot for his reaction to Gabriel Martinelli's push on Conor Bradleyplaceholder image
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta hailed Liverpool manager Arne Slot for his reaction to Gabriel Martinelli's push on Conor Bradley | Getty Images
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta hailed Liverpool manager Arne Slot for his reaction to Gabriel Martinelli's push on Conor Bradley
Arsenal remain in all four competitions after beating Championship side Portsmouth 4-1 in the third round of the FA Cup at Fratton Park on Sunday afternoon.
The hosts took a shock third-minute lead when Colby Bishop fired in from close range. However, the Gunners were not behind for long as Andre Dozzell’s own goal in the eighth minute got them back on level terms.
Gabriel Martinelli then scored a hat-trick as Arsenal put themselves in the fourth round. The Brazilian forward was booed frequently by the home supporters, an apparent nod to his actions in midweek against Liverpool.
Martinelli tried to push an injured Conor Bradley off the pitch late in the game as Arsenal drew 0-0 with Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium. It has since emerged that Bradley requires surgery on his knee injury and is set to miss the rest of the season.
There was widespread criticism of Martinelli after the game from pundits but Liverpool boss Arne Slot defended the Gunners man, who was quick to apologise after the game for his actions.
"I don't know Gabriel Martinelli, but he comes across as a nice guy," said Slot on Thursday.
"I think the problem for him - and it's a problem in general in football - is that there is so much time-wasting and players pretending that they are injured in the final parts of the game and during the game, that you can sometimes be annoyed if you want to try to score a goal that you think the player is time-wasting.
"You cannot ask Martinelli to think so clear in the 94th minute."
Those comments from the Dutchman were clearly appreciated by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, who was keen to praise his counterpart after the Gunners cruised past Portsmouth.
"It's part of football and then it's how you take it," said Arteta of the criticism that had been aimed at his player.
"But he knew inside the reason why he did what he did. I think Arne Slot spoke brilliantly after the game, speaking of your opponent in the manner that he explained the situation and the fact that Gabi had no intention whatsoever to damage any player.
"And yeah, that's personality. Come in and talk on the pitch, which is the best part of it."
Up next for Arsenal is the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea, which takes place at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.
Continue Reading