Cesc Fabregas has praised Mikel Arteta’s call to introduce Gabriel Martinelli into the action after Arsenal beat Manchester City 1-0 at the Emirates on Sunday.
The former Arsenal midfielder stated that it was a ‘great call’ from Mikel Arteta to bring his all-action winger onto the pitch at half-time, as he ended up scoring the only goal of the game.
Yes, Gabriel Martinelli was lucky that his shot deflected off Nathan Ake, but at the end of the day, if you don’t shoot, then you don’t score.
And the £180k-a-week Brazil international (Spotrac) was rewarded with the three points, with Cesc Fabregas adding that he made a ‘big difference’, as he told Premier League Productions (08/10/23 at 6:30 pm).
Yes, it’s still early on in the season and it doesn’t say much, in regard to the Premier League table.
But, from a psychological standpoint, this is huge for the Arsenal players because they have beaten the Treble winners for the first time since Arsene Wenger was in the dugout.
Arsenal beat Manchester City
“It’s a big statement,” said Fabregas. “For the players, this will be a big moment and also for confidence.
“It was a great all, in my opinion, to bring on Martinelli because of the width he gives you. Attacking the space. Facing one against one, even if it’s a difficult opponent like Walker.
“He made a big difference in the end. If anyone, who just deserves to win this game, then it’s just Arsenal.”
Arsenal win without Bukayo Saka
The headline before the game was the absence of Bukayo Saka. It would have been a body blow to the Arsenal fans when they saw the teamsheet.
But, even without such a key player, the Premier League title hopefuls stuck their chest out and secured the points.
Yes, Man City were without the likes of Rodri and Kevin de Bruyne. But a win is a win, at the end of the day.
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