Arsenal fans online were all praise for Gabriel Martinelli’s performance in their 1-0 win over Sporting CP in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Estádio José Alvalade. Martinelli was crucial in the Gunners’ lone goal that secured them the win tonight.
After a goalless 90 minutes, Arsenal were able to secure a win in the quarter-final first leg with Kai Havertz scoring the only goal of the match during stoppage time (90+1′). Gabriel Martinelli was significant in the buildup leading to the goal, delivering the assist from the left to an incoming Havertz, who found the back of the net on time.
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The Brazilian was on the pitch for only 14 minutes after replacing Leandro Trossard (76′), and yet registered a shot on target apart from assisting the winning goal.
Fans took to X to react to Gabriel Martinelli’s performance vs Sporting in the UCL quarter-final first leg, despite having limited minutes. His substitution made a major impact in the clash. One X user wrote:
“Martinelli decided to be messi today 😭”
Some other users also lavished praise on Martinelli:
Fans continued to share their thoughts on the Arsenal star:
Despite the late winner, Arsenal will have a lot left to do in the second leg at the Emirates Stadium on April 15. After missing out on two titles this season, including the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup, the Gunners will give it their all to win their first Champions League title in history and the Premier League.
When Sporting CP coach Rui Borges vouched for Viktor Gyokeres’ performance after joining Arsenal
In an interview via Metro UK, Sporting CP boss Rui Borges spoke highly of Arsenal forward Viktor Gyokeres ahead of facing them in the Champions League quarter-final first leg. Gyokeres left Sporting to sign for the Gunners last summer for a reported £64 million. Borges said:
“I believe in the initial stage he had to adapt, given the style of play, and how Arsenal plays. But he is still a great forward and now he is back to what he does well which is scoring goals.”
He added:
“During the first stage, the fans were suspicious given what they paid for him, but little by little the truth came to the surface and he is a really great player and he will keep scoring goals.”
Viktor Gyokeres was not impactful enough in the first leg vs Sporting, recording only one shot on target. He was unable to create any chances and lost possession six times. The former Sporting icon will have to put up a stronger performance in the second leg to help the Gunners make it to the semi-finals.
Note: All in-game statistics were taken from SofaScore as of writing and are subject to change per the website’s prerogative.
Edited by Pratyasha Sarkar
