Arsenal fans have taken to Twitter to react after Gabriel Martinelli spoke to the media following his goal against Crystal Palace.
The 19-year-old kept Arsenal’s hopes of a place in Europe next season alive with his 91st minute strike at Selhurst Park.
When quizzed on his lack of action after full-time, Martinelli said: “I’m always ready. When Mikel needs me, I’ll be there.”
What a brilliant attitude from the teenager.
Mikel Arteta has handed Martinelli just seven starts in the Premier League this season, after he battled back from a serious injury.
Every time the wonderkid takes to the pitch, he appears to be the hardest working, most determined player out there in Arsenal’s colours.
He carries a typical South American tenacity which we’ve seen in the likes of Luis Suárez over the years.
Since Martinelli returned to full fitness, his lack of action has been somewhat confusing.
He would’ve had every right to kick up a fuss and bang Arteta’s office door down, but he clearly has his head screwed firmly on to those young shoulders.
After he saved the game for Arsenal, it would be criminal not to start him in Sunday’s match against Brighton.
We appreciate that it might be hard for Arteta to work the prodigy into his side around Nicolas Pepe, Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka.
However, the Spaniard has to find a way – Martinelli is too good to be warming the bench every week.
He will undoubtedly help achieve results in the present, and the game time will also aid his development.
Let’s see what the Arsenal fans on Twitter have been saying about his comments…
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