Gabriel Martinelli has scored three goals in his last two appearances to help Arsenal to the Premier League top four.
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Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli has been in scintillating form, having scored three goals in his last two appearances against West ham United and Leeds United. The 20-year-old’s brace against Leeds in the last game helped the Gunners to Premier League top four. The Brazilian scored the opening two goals against Leeds last Saturday before Bukayo Saka and Emil Smith Rowe got on the score-sheet to secure Arsenal’s third consecutive victory.
“He (Martinelli) trains incredibly hard, he is always willing to do more and he is not scared or afraid to take risks – and that is what I like about him,” Arteta said of Martinelli, who has scored four times in his last six league games.
“You cannot play every action at 100mph, it is impossible. It is not very efficient for you because you burn yourself out after a few minutes, and then you’re just chasing a situation and not reading exactly what is needed.
“Gabi is doing much better at that. We have to try to do that without losing the passion, the energy and this capacity he has to just affect the game with the way he acts on the pitch.”
Martinelli scored the first goal following a defensive error from Adam Forsaw. The Leeds defender was dispossessed inside his own box and the ball fell nicely for Martinelli to slot home past Ila Meslier and into the net.
The Brazilian’s second goal had a bit of class in it. Granit Xhaka delivered a brilliant through ball to release the 20-year-old’s on goal, he showed his strength to hold off the defender and kept his composure to lift the ball over an advancing Meslier and into the goal.
Arteta also praised the youngsters’ willingness to work hard for the team as he was putting pressure on the opposition defense with his relentless running and pace.
“Every time the ball is 50/50 he is going to chase it and he’s going to use his body, his speed, his technical ability to get away from you and you have to be careful, because he can attack you one v one, he can attack your back, he can make movements off the ball. He is a real threat in front of goal,” Arteta added.
Meanwhile Arteta completed his two years in charge of the Gunners. He joined the North London club on December 20, 2019 following the sacking of Unai Emery and since then has done a fine job of rebuilding the squad.
Despite having a poor start to the season, the Spanish tactician has managed to guide his side into the top four.
Happy two-year anniversary, boss! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Pae8dhhaMQ
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 20, 2021
“It’s been an incredible journey and I am really happy and proud with the company that I have had on the journey,” Arteta said.
“I would say we have been through different phases throughout those two years. A phase where straightaway we had to pick up results and try to turn around the situation we were in.
“Then we had the two trophies, which was a big lift and great memories, apart from not having the people, our supporters with us to enjoy that one.
“Then a year where we had everything: we had Covid, we had so many changes around the club from top to bottom and a really difficult one to manage, with some difficult moments and then finishing the season in a really strong way.
“Now it is a new phase where we start to rebuild the team, we take a very clear direction with how we want to move forward with the club, a real connection between the team and supporters, the ownership and board and I think now it is excitement.
“Excitement to keep driving this project forward, to keep working with this really young squad, but ready to compete, to get better and take the club back to where it belongs.”
