Crystal Palace hero makes big claim about Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli

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Former Crystal Palace defender Danny Gabbidon believes Gabriel Martinelli has ‘got so much better’ under Mikel Arteta following the Brazilian’s stunner in Arsenal’s 4-1 Premier League win, speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day. 

Just three days after missing a penalty in the Europa League exit at home to Sporting Lisbon, it took Martinelli less than half an hour to make amends at the Emirates Stadium. The 21-year-old shifted the ball onto his so-called weaker foot and hammered a thumping finish past teenage goalkeeper Joe Whitworth.

Martinelli now has six goals in his last six Premier League games. With 13 in total, he is the leading goalscorer for an Arsenal side now five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table. 

“When you’re a defender there, and you go up against a player who can go either way, it’s almost impossible to defend against,” says Gabbidon, who spent two years at Crystal Palace between 2012 and 2014.

“You look at the progression of Martinelli, in and around the final third, his decision making has got so much better. Always chooses the right option now. When to pass, when to shoot. It’s a fantastic finish. A goal of such quality.” 

Gabriel Martinelli stunner helps Arsenal beat Crystal Palace

Bukayo Saka scored twice after Martinelli’s brilliant opener, while Granit Xhaka also maintained his impressive purple patch in front of goal. But Crystal Palace, in their first game post-Patrick Vieira, had their moments; Wilfried Zaha missing a glorious chance to equalise midway through the second half shortly after Jeffrey Schlupp had pulled a goal back. 

According to Sky Sports, Palace are now considering a shock return for 75-year-old Roy Hodgson. Former Borussia Monchengladbach and Eintracht Frankfurt coach Adi Hutter is another under consideration. 

Michael Carrick, however, has committed his future to a promotion-seeking Middlesbrough. 

“No communication (with Crystal Palace),” Carrick tells ITV’s EFL Highlights Show. “I am delighted to be here with this great group of players. (Middlesbrough is) a great club. The supporters have been incredible with me as well.  

“I’m delighted to watch the team play like they did today (vs Preston). And hopefully there will be some more of them between now and the end of the season.”