Mikel Arteta talked about the contributions of Gabriel Martinelli for **Arsenal**in the FA Cup.
The Brazilian has been at the centre of attention after a clash with Conor Bradley in a 0-0 draw against **Liverpool**in midweek, receiving criticism for his interaction with the injured right back.
However, he is in the headlines for all the right reasons after a 4-1 win over **Portsmouth**in the third round of the world’s oldest cup competition. He missed two big chances in the first half but still ended up with a hat trick to his name, netting at the far post in open play and with two set-piece headers.
With his first three **FA Cup**goals marking a memorable moment in his career, the forward reminded everyone of his instinct in the final third and a resilient attitude that has helped him through adversity.
“It's part of football, and then it's how you take it, but he knew inside the reason why he did what he did. I think Arne Slot spoke brilliantly after the game; he explained the situation and the fact that Gabi had no intention whatsoever to harm any player. That’s his personality and commitment.
“We talk on the pitch. That’s the best part of football. Gabi has that [ability to bounce back] and that's why you play for a big club and have a big personality: it can be that way. It can be an action that you miss, it can be something that costs you a game – you need to build yourself up and make it count.
“I love it, because of every context that you throw him in. Sometimes he doesn’t play, sometimes he performs well or not well the next one. Today he scored three goals, tomorrow he’s going to train a hundred miles an hour.
“He’s not going to change that – and that’s Gabi. His timing in the box is really good, especially when in certain spaces, and yesterday he was talking about it.”