Gabriel Martinelli shone in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest on Matchday 1 of the 2023-24 Premier League. His assist was the highlight of the match, easily outpacing two opponents with his skill. The Brazilian rounded Danilo before rolling to evade the defenders, and the ball reached Eddie Nketiah in the box just before his goal.
It was a vital move by the winger to help the Gunners break the deadlock, as the hosts were struggling to break the opposition until then. Martinelli is capable of coming up with moments of magic when it matters the most, which is why he’s highly appreciated at the Emirates Stadium.
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Martinelli continues to shine at Arsenal
“That’s Gabi – he needs to be alive, he needs to be energetic, he needs to take chances and go for it. Something I really liked today and that I didn’t like too much two weeks ago, was that he was going to give the ball away, and he tracked back, because this was the defining moment. When Gabi is doing that backwards and then forwards, he’s one of the best players and one of the most dangerous today. When he’s playing a different rhythm, no,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said of Martinelli in his post-game interview, via the club’s website.
The former Ituano footballer has established himself in the Gunners’ starting eleven, proving to be a pivotal player for their aspirations. Martinelli ended last term with an ankle injury, but fortunately, he left it behind to come back stronger.
Arsenal hope to see more moments of magic from the Brazilian this season, in which they’ll return to UEFA Champions League football. Martinelli and company return to action on Monday, August 21, when they visit London rivals Crystal Palace.
