Gabriel Martinelli has enjoyed a dramatic turnaround in fortunes, moving from heavy criticism to headline-making heroics within the space of a few days.
The Arsenal winger was at the centre of controversy during Thursday’s 0–0 Premier League draw with Liverpool after attempting to usher injured defender Conor Bradley off the pitch late in the game. The incident drew widespread criticism, prompting Martinelli to issue an apology on social media.
However, the 24-year-old responded in emphatic fashion on Sunday, scoring his first hat-trick for Arsenal as the Gunners came from behind to defeat Championship side Portsmouth and book a place in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised Martinelli’s mentality, describing his response as a clear demonstration of character.
“It’s part of football, and then it’s how you take it,” Arteta said. “He knew inside the reason why he did what he did.”
Arteta also commended Liverpool manager Arne Slot for his measured reaction to the earlier incident, noting his defence of Martinelli’s intentions.
“I think Arne Slot spoke brilliantly after the game, explaining that Gabi had no intention of hurting anyone,” Arteta added. “That’s personality — responding on the pitch, which is the best place to do it.”
Martinelli has endured a mixed campaign, losing his regular starting role in the Premier League to Leandro Trossard following a dip in form and confidence. He has started just six league matches this season, despite Arsenal holding a six-point lead at the top of the table.
In contrast, the Brazilian has been influential in the Champions League, scoring five goals in five appearances. His treble against Portsmouth now makes him Arsenal’s leading scorer in all competitions.
“That’s why playing for a big club requires a big personality,” Arteta said. “Something can go wrong in one game, but three days later you have another chance. You must lift yourself and make it count.”
Arteta added that Martinelli’s attitude remains unchanged regardless of circumstances, praising his consistency and work ethic.
“Tomorrow he’ll train at full intensity again. That’s who Gabi is,” he said.
Martinelli’s hat-trick was Arsenal’s first in the FA Cup since Theo Walcott achieved the feat against Southampton in January 2017. It was also the first hat-trick of his Arsenal career, coming after 249 appearances, and the first time in a year he has scored more than twice in a single match.
Despite not being known for his aerial prowess, Martinelli scored twice with his head from corners. Arteta attributed this to the winger’s intelligent movement and timing in the penalty area.
Arsenal have become a formidable threat from set-pieces since the arrival of coach Nicolas Jover, scoring 17 goals from corners in all competitions this season — the highest tally in the Premier League. Scoring three set-piece goals in one game, however, remains a rare feat, last achieved in May 2022 against Everton.
The victory over Portsmouth marked the start of a demanding run of four consecutive away matches across four competitions, including the Carabao Cup, Premier League and Champions League.
Arsenal are chasing their first major trophy since lifting the FA Cup in 2020 under Arteta, a campaign that also included a win over Portsmouth. With the club currently leading both the Premier League and Champions League tables, and having won nine of their ten cup matches this season, the Gunners appear well positioned to end their trophy drought.
