Following Arsenal's impressive 5-0 triumph over Crystal Palace, football pundits Rio Ferdinand and Martin Keown drew noteworthy parallels between emerging talent Gabriel Martinelli and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry. The 22-year-old winger showcased his prowess by scoring two goals in the game.
During an interview with TNT Sports, former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand praised Martinelli's ability to maintain composure in front of goal, drawing a comparison to Thierry Henry's excellence in similar situations.
"This is what I liked about him. The defender makes a bad decision... but he has the composure, the calmness in front of goal. That was Thierry Henry-ish, getting in those areas, he was magnificent at doing that," said Ferdinand.
Keown echoed these sentiments, emphasising Martinelli's impactful off-the-ball contributions. According to Keown, bringing Martinelli into the game at a strategic moment when spaces were opening up proved to be crucial. "He was and he does his work off the ball rather than running with it. It was the perfect time to bring him on, spaces were opening up. The second goal he gets is a carbon copy, the same sort of space,” said Keown.
Keown also emphasised that Martinelli's impactful performance coming off the bench was beneficial for Martinelli for the overall morale and dynamics of the group.
Big win against Crystal Palace
Arsenal showcased an impressive performance against Crystal Palace with a landslide win of 5-0 on Saturday’s English Premiere League (EPL) match. Arsenal's big win moved them to third place in the Premier League, just two points behind leaders Liverpool, though they played an extra game. The result gives the Gunners a new hope to win this season’s EPL title.
The match unfolded with a display of Arsenal's attacking prowess, with two initial goals originating from corner kicks. The first goal occurred in the 11th minute when Gabriel scored with a header. The next goal came from the defender's header in another set-piece, bouncing off Crystal Palace goalkeeper Henderson and going into the net, concluding the first half with Arsenal’s 2-0 lead.
Crystal Palace showed minimal resistance throughout the game. Instead, Arsenal increased their lead in the second half when Trossard was in a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper. He maintained composure to finish confidently, making the score 3-0.
In injury time, Gabriel Martinelli netted two late goals that swept into the far corner, highlighting the team's improved confidence. The performance secured a crucial win, showcasing Arsenal's evolving attacking prowess under Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal’s form had wavered towards the end of the previous year, losing three of their last five Premier League games. However, a week-long winter break in Dubai seemed to breathe new life into Arteta's squad.
The Gunners fans can find comfort in Arsenal's improved attack, especially after a worrisome end to the previous season. Arteta claimed the team is "re-energised" after winter break, and so it proved with the big win against Crystal Palace, renewing hopes for a strong title push.
The triumph has revitalised Arsenal's confidence, setting the stage for upcoming challenges, including a crucial fixture at the City Ground and a significant clash against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in their first game post the January transfer window.
Arsenal eyes Bayern’s De Ligt
In the transfer news, Matthijs de Ligt, a 24-year-old defender from Bayern Munich, has emerged as a potential target for top English clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United. De Ligt's uncertain future at Bayern, marked by a fall from favour under Thomas Tuchel, has opened the door for a potential move in the summer, contingent on a suitable offer.
Sky Sports Germany suggests that De Ligt will likely leave Bayern Munich in the summer if a suitable offer is made. The Netherlands player, who joined Bayern from Juventus for €67 million (£57.6 million) in July 2022, has a contract at the Allianz Arena until 2027.
In his pre-match press conference on last December’s match against West Ham, Arteta acknowledged that Arsenal is open to spending if they identify the proper signing.
“If there is something that we can [do to] improve the squad and that need appears, and we cannot fulfil it with players here, we are always going to be open to doing that because we want to be stronger,” said Arteta.
The team faces challenges due to injuries to key versatile defenders, including Jurrien Timber and Takehiro Tomiyasu, leaving them limited options.
Source:
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/67966595
https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/news/mikel-arteta-unlocks-next-thierry-28484944
https://thewillnews.com/arsenal-eye-summer-move-for-bayerns-de-ligt/
