Gabriel Martinelli refused to take credit for Arsenal’s 1-0 win against Manchester City on Sunday, despite scoring the decisive goal.
- Martinelli came on at half-time
- Scored decisive goal as Arsenal won
- Reluctant to accept praise for strike
WHAT HAPPENED?
Martinelli came off the bench at half-time to mark his return after weeks out of action through injury and netted the game’s only goal after 86 minutes. The Brazilian winger had an immediate impact for the Gunners, getting their first shot on target just five minutes into the second half, before smashing in the goal late on.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The game looked set to fizzle out to a goalless draw before Martinelli’s moment of magic, which secured Arsenal’s first Premier League win against City in eight years and moved them up to second in the table – second to Tottenham only on goals scored.
WHAT THEY SAID
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Martinelli was reluctant to accept the praise for netting the important strike, as he told Sky Sports: “I am not the man. I think everyone has a part in this victory. I scored the goal but it was the whole team and the staff and everyone. I am happy and the team is too.”
He added: “It gives more confidence [to us]. We know our potential and how tough it is to play against them. Today we beat them and it gives us more confidence to kick on.”
Manager Mikel Arteta also hailed the winger’s willingness to play despite him being injured, saying: “Another player with big ones too. The physios weren’t having it and he said ‘I am ready to go’. Leo (Leandro Trossard) got injured and I looked to him and he was already ready to go.”
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
After the international fixtures over the next two weeks, Arsenal will face Chelsea in the Premier League on October 22.
Well he tried
Yes he try