A selection of Arsenal fans have hailed the display of teenage forward Gabriel Martinelli during the club’s 3-1 comeback victory over West Ham United in the Premier League.
The 18-year-old was handed with his maiden league start for the Gunners and he capped his performance with his first goal in the Premier League for the north London giants.
Martinelli could not influence the play in an attacking point of view in the first half and that was pretty much the story with every Gunners attacker as the club trailed 1-0.
However, after the interval, the teenager stepped up his performance with his regular high pressing and he scored the vital equaliser at the hour mark with a quality finish from a Sead Kolasinac cross.
In the space of the next eight minutes, Nicolas Pepe scored his first goal from open play with a brilliant curling effort and the Ivorian then contributed the cross lead to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s strike.
Following the game, a number of Gunners supporters have praised Martinelli, who has grown the trend of scoring whenever he has been handed with starts in any competition for the side.
The Brazilian youngster has netted eight goals in just seven starts in all competitions for the club and his desire to close down his opponents regularly has likewise pleased few of the fans.
Twitter Reactions:
https://twitter.com/Aubazettes/status/1204161460689133568
Gabriel Martinelli is such a talent. Everything was going wrong & he stepped up and scored his first PL goal. Despite the fact that he was playing in Brazil’s fourth tier just 7 months ago, what was his reaction? To pick up the ball immediately & sprint back to the halfway line.
— Patrick Timmons (@PatrickTimmons1) December 9, 2019
Martinelli is a LEADER.
He plays like a fan would play.
I love how he refuses to hide even though all around him were doing exactly that.
To have that bravery in a new league when no one had any expectations on you is just outstanding.
I won’t forget that.
— Clive (@clivepafc) December 9, 2019
Martinelli is everything you want in a player. Unbelievable quality and 100% work ethic. It took an 18 year old kid from Brazil on his first PL start to turn things around and get us our first league win in over 2 months. We are so lucky to have him.
— Paddy (@PaddyArsenal) December 9, 2019
Martinelli's off the ball effort should be the standard at Arsenal. One of the few who gets what it means to represent this institution.
— Sash ~ (@ltarsenal) December 9, 2019
Martinelli chases after everything, constantly demanding for the ball, constantly opening up the channel THIS IS THE MENTALITY WE NEED AT THIS CLUB. THIS IS WHAT WILL FIX THIS.
— chief (@aliladiere) December 9, 2019
The victory over West Ham ended a dreaded nine-match winless run in all competitions for the club and hopefully, it is the turning point to the season.
Another defensive error did contribute to the Hammers’ opening strike but the performance in the second half should instil some confidence into the players.
