Gabriel Martinelli hat-trick shows ‘big personality’, says Mikel Arteta

From being branded an “idiot” to scoring a hat-trick, Gabriel Martinell’s name has been in the headlines over the past few days.

The Arsenal winger was heavily criticised for trying to push the injured Conor Bradley off the pitch in the closing stages of Arsenal‘s 0-0 draw with Liverpool on Thursday, something he apologised for on social media.

But the 24-year-old’s first hat-trick for Arsenal – as they came from behind to beat Championship outfit Portsmouth and reach the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday – showed “personality”, according to his boss.

“It’s part of football and then it’s how you take it,” Mikel Arteta when asked how Martinelli has dealt with being the subject of so much discussion.

“But he knew inside the reason why he did what he did.”

Arteta also praised Liverpool boss Arne Slot for his considered response to the incident, when he defended the Brazilian.

“I think Arne Slot spoke brilliantly after the game – speaking of your opponent in the manner that he explained the situation and the fact that Gabi had no intention whatsoever to damage any player,” added Arteta.

“That’s personality. Come in and talk on the pitch, which is the best part of it.”

Martinelli has had a mixed season, losing his starting place in the Premier League to Leandro Trossard after a drop in form and confidence.

He has started just six times for the Gunners, who are six points clear at the top of the table.

However, the winger has been a key player this season for Arsenal in Champions League, scoring five goals in as many appearances. And after his hat-trick against Portsmouth, he is now his side’s top scorer.

“That’s why to play for a big club, you need a big personality because it can be bad… it can be an action that you miss, it can be something that costs you a game,” Arteta added

“And three days later, there is a game. So you need to lift yourself up and make it count.

“I love it. Gabi, in every context that you throw him in, he plays, he doesn’t play. He performs well, not well. Today, he scored three goals.

“Tomorrow, he’s going to train 100 miles an hour, for sure. He’s not going to change that. And that’s Gabi.”