Martinelli cleverly flicks the Declan Rice cross on to Bukayo Saka. Saka scores an easy header after the brilliant flick by Gabriel Martinelli following an Arsenal break.
Moreover, Saka gets a goal on his return from injury after three-month absence. Arsenal fans very happy to see him back in the side.
All game long Martinelli was causing trouble for Fulham. Going right at defenders on the dribble. I’m sure defenders dread going up against him. Amazingly, he is just 23 years old. He seems like he’s been at Arsenal forever. He has played 153 games for Arsenal and scored 38 goals.
Watch the Martinelli flick in the video below. A genius back heel flick by the Brazilian. Really, Martinelli plays a give and go with Rice, as he plays the ball out wide, and then keeps running into the box, and latches on to flick the ball.
A moment for this Gabriel Martinelli assist. 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/EGXAXCP73W
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) April 1, 2025
Overall, Martinelli earned a player rating of 8 for his performance, and was named man of the match. The game of soccer needs more players like him. Players who travel right at defenders like this. Furthermore, many more talking after the game about his nutmeg on Timothy Castagne. Forcing him to fall to the ground.
Finally, it might be too late for Arsenal to catch Liverpool for the English Premier league title. However, with Saka back and Martinelli playing this well, they could make it close if they string together a few more wins. While Arsenal are still nine points behind Liverpool, the season isn’t over!
Post game quote. Glenn Murray from former Brighton striker on BBC Radio 5 Live talking about Martinelli’s performance versus Fulham:
“Gabriel Martinelli deserves a goal. He has been a shining light all night for Arsenal. He’s caused Timothy Castagne all kinds of problems down the Fulham right hand side.”
