There was something fitting about the fact that Mykhailo Mudryk was watching on as Arsenal played Shakhtar. Just a year and a half ago, it looked as though he would be on the pitch instead of in the stands – presumably as a replacement for Gabriel Martinelli.
In the long run, the Brazilian had borne out to be the winner in that battle long before Tuesday night. But if there was anyone doubting him, they surely aren’t anymore.
Martinelli has not exactly been at his best in the past year. By most measures he had a disappointing season last time out, and his start to this campaign had not quite set the world alight.
Just prior to the international break we saw signs that he was bubbling back up to top form. Back to back goals against Leicester and Southampton seemed to have re-ignited his confidence once again.
He did miss a big chance against Bournemouth, and perhaps last season that would have dented his confidence. Now he looks so firmly like he believes in his own abilities that he was able to bounce back.
Even with a taped up calf the Brazilian was the most energetic player on the pitch. He may not have got the goal, but he certainly brought about the winner. In a bland attacking display from Arsenal he brought just the flavour required to get the Gunners over the line.
“He looked really sharp, really fresh as well,” Arteta said of the Brazilian. “Fresher than anybody on the pitch because he could not start against Bournemouth and you could tell that was different to the rest. He had another gear, he had another level of threat and he state the game really well. He had a great performance for us tonight.”
Martinelli seems to be coming up to the boil just before Liverpool. The Brazilian has scored more goals against them than any other opponent in his career. Could he keep up that role when Arsenal need him most this Sunday?
