Gabriel Martinelli scored a late winner, securing a 1-0 victory for Arsenal over Manchester City, and the Emirates Stadium was filled with jubilation.
Martinelli made his highly anticipated return from injury, coming off the bench in the second half, and injected life into a game that had been relatively lackluster until then. The Brazilian found the back of the net in the 85th minute.
From 20 yards out, he received the ball, took a touch to advance it, and his shot deflected off Nathan Ake before eluding Ederson in the City goal. While City’s defenders were disheartened, Arsenal’s players were overjoyed, and the Emirates Stadium came alive with celebration, much like when Declan Rice scored a late winner against Manchester United a month earlier.
HUGE GOAL FOR ARSENAL! 🔥
Martinelli’s deflected effort gives Arsenal late lead ✅ pic.twitter.com/clU60QH4Sy
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 8, 2023
Unlike the United clash, there was not time for another goal to rubberstamp the win, but the Gunners were able to hold on to secure what could prove to be a priceless victory come season’s end.
Arsenal head into the international break in second position in the league, having leapfrogged City as a result of the win.
They are now level on points with fierce rivals Tottenham, with Ange Postecoglou’s side ahead on goal difference.
The game was relatively quiet compared to what fans may have anticipated, with only two shots on target shared between Arsenal and City as the game entered its closing stages.
But as he did so many times last season, Martinelli made the difference – and it was some impact.
The Brazilian had missed the last five games through injury, with Mikel Arteta having struggled to replace his attacking output to the same effect.
But after being handed a goalscoring opportunity by Kai Havertz’s pass, Martinelli got the goal – despite a hefty amount of fortune via Ake’s deflection.
You won’t see Arsenal fans complaining about it, though.