Arsenal: 5 reasons why we can’t help but love Gabriel Martinelli

4. Premier League proven? Completed it mate

If you follow my blogs regularly, you’ll know I’m not a fan of the concept “Premier League proven”. It’s essentially meaningless and implies the Premier League is some mystical paradigm where only the best of the best can succeed. It’s not that, at all.

Martinelli arrived from the Brazilian leagues and has already torn a few Premier League sides limb by limb. Just look at his brace against Liverpool and his run against Chelsea which virtually ended N’Golo Kante‘s career.

Martinelli has proven he can play and succeed against the big clubs. This is where Arsenal have struggled in recent seasons so to have a youngster come in and take authority in such matches is truly refreshing to see.

5. He brings his other players up when need be

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Confidence can easily be mistaken for arrogance. This is very much the case in the real world and it’s the case in the footballing world too.

Martinelli is confident, yes, but he hasn’t lost touch. In fact, he is the first to give his teammates a pick-me-up when they need it.

Just look at the Europa League shambles where Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had the chance to secure the match against Olympiakos for the second time. He was on his knees with his head in his hands.

Who was the first person to come over and pick him up, reminding him this was not the attitude the fans wanted to see? You bet, it was Martinelli. Martinelli and Aubameyang completely changed that game after Martinelli’s introduction, I must add. It was not their fault the team ended up bidding farewell to the competition.

What has been your favourite Gabriel Martinelli moment?