‘Absolute chaos’ – Arsenal fans in disbelief over star who ‘should be arrested’ after Crystal Palace clash
Arsenal supporters were on their feet after watching one star’s performance against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup quarter-final.
Mikel Arteta’s side beat Everton just three days before the game, maintaining their two-point gap at the top of the Premier League table ahead of facing the Eagles on Tuesday, 23 December.
Oliver Glasner‘s side experienced rather different preparations, however, with Palace drawing with KuPS in the Europa Conference League before being thrashed by Leeds United at Elland Road.
Despite very different runs, both sets of supporters were anxious about clashing at the Emirates Stadium, with a spot in the semi-final at stake, but one player took the game to the Eagles on the night.
While the game won’t be a particularly memorable one, his performance will be.
Gabriel Martinelli absolutely ruins Jaydee Canvot
Watching the first half unfold, the home supporters were absolutely blown away by Gabriel Martinelli, who was “trying to kill” an out-of-position Jaydee Canvot.
In the first 45 minutes alone, the Brazilian created five chances, the most of anyone on the pitch, and should have had at least two goal contributions, being denied by Walter Benitez.
Martinelli has been heavily linked with an Arsenal exit, but after being compared to Ronaldinho on the night, fans will be thinking twice before wanting him replaced next month.
- @afcmuktar: “That ain’t Martinelli, that’s Ronaldinho.”
- @1206Devisjim: “Man. I got second-hand embarrassment just watching him being humiliated.”
- @alison_ibra: “Martinelli is just abusing that guy tonight. Almost took his life in the first half.”
Martinelli’s performance in numbers vs Crystal Palace
Sadly for the supporters, the winger was only given the first 15 minutes of the second half, being replaced by Leandro Trossard, likely due to an injury scare before the half-time whistle.
Still, his overall statistics were emphatic, and many have been left wondering how he didn’t manage to register a single goal or assist against the Eagles.
As well as creating five chances, the Brazilian attempted six dribbles, had nine touches in the opposition box, made two recoveries, and lunged into seven ground duels [FotMob].
Many at the Emirates Stadium have been missing the old Martinelli, but after his hour against Palace, fans were excited to see shades of his former self, and that could be important ahead of the transfer window.