Source: Alamy Stock Photo

From Controversy to Class: Martinelli Answers Critics with Statement Hat-Trick

Few players embody football’s emotional swings quite like Gabriel Martinelli. Within the space of three days, the Arsenal winger went from being vilified on social media to becoming the undisputed hero of his team’s FA Cup progression, delivering a memorable hat-trick in a comeback victory over Portsmouth.

The Brazilian had found himself at the centre of unwanted attention following Arsenal’s goalless draw against Liverpool, after an ill-judged moment involving an injured Conor Bradley late in the match. Martinelli publicly acknowledged his mistake and issued an apology, a response that drew a measured and empathetic reaction from Liverpool manager Arne Slot, who stressed there was no malicious intent.

That episode, however, proved to be little more than a footnote once Arsenal returned to action in the FA Cup. Coming from behind against Championship opposition, Martinelli produced the finest individual display of his Arsenal career, scoring his first-ever hat-trick for the club and propelling Mikel Arteta’s side into the fourth round.

For Mikel Arteta, the response was emblematic of a player built for elite football. He spoke at length about the winger’s resilience, highlighting the “personality” required to recover from criticism and let performance do the talking. In Arteta’s eyes, the best answer to any debate is always delivered on the pitch.

The timing of Martinelli’s performance was particularly striking given his mixed domestic campaign. Having started only six Premier League matches, he has at times found himself behind Leandro Trossard in the pecking order. Yet in Europe, Martinelli has been indispensable, scoring five goals in as many Champions League appearances. His treble against Portsmouth now elevates him to Arsenal’s leading scorer across all competitions this season.

Historically, the achievement carried additional weight. Martinelli became the first Arsenal player to score a hat-trick in the FA Cup since Theo Walcott did so in 2017, and it ended a personal drought that had stretched across 249 appearances without a three-goal haul.

Perhaps most intriguingly, two of his goals came via headers, an area not traditionally associated with his skill set. Arteta attributed this to Martinelli’s intelligent movement and exceptional timing in the penalty area—qualities that align perfectly with Arsenal’s growing reputation as a set-piece force under specialist coach Nicolas Jover. The Gunners have now scored 17 goals from corners in all competitions this season, more than any other Premier League side.

As Arsenal embark on a demanding run of away fixtures across four competitions, Martinelli’s resurgence offers both momentum and a reminder of the depth within Arteta’s squad. With the club leading both the Premier League and Champions League tables, and having already claimed nine wins from ten cup matches this season, belief is growing that silverware could finally follow.

For Martinelli, the message was unmistakable: criticism may come and go, but character—backed by goals—has the final say.

Betway Arabia continues to deliver in-depth coverage and analysis of the biggest football stories from around the world.