Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has publicly praised the "big personality" of Gabriel Martinelli after the Brazilian forward answered his critics in emphatic fashion with a match-winning hat-trick.
From controversy to celebration in three days
The Gunners' winger found himself at the centre of a storm following Arsenal's goalless Premier League draw with Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium on 8th January 2026. Martinelli was heavily criticised by some fans for an incident involving Liverpool defender Conor Bradley, where he appeared to try and pull the injured player off the pitch.
Martinelli subsequently issued a public apology, insisting he had not realised Bradley was seriously hurt. The episode cast a shadow over the player just days before a crucial FA Cup third-round tie away at Portsmouth.
A perfect response on the pitch
Any doubts about Martinelli's focus were spectacularly dismissed at Fratton Park on 11th January. The 24-year-old scored his first ever hat-trick for Arsenal, firing his side into the fourth round of the competition with a 3-1 victory.
Arteta was quick to highlight the mental strength required to perform so brilliantly under such scrutiny. "That's why to play for a big club, you need a big personality," the Arsenal boss stated. "It can be an action that you miss, it can be something that costs you a game. And three days later, there is a game. So you need to lift yourself up and make it count."
The manager also expressed his appreciation for Liverpool manager Arne Slot's defence of Martinelli's intentions after the initial incident, which helped contextualise the event.
Set-piece prowess and squad updates
Martinelli's treble was notable for its variety, with two goals coming from near-post headers from corners – underscoring Arsenal's reputation as set-piece specialists. Arteta revealed the forward had even predicted his set-piece success in training the day before the match.
Beyond Martinelli's heroics, the match provided a welcome return for midfielder Kai Havertz, who came on as a substitute after a long injury lay-off. However, concern remains for defender Piero Hincapie, who limped off against Liverpool. Arteta confirmed the club expects to learn more about the extent of Hincapie's injury on Monday 12th January.
The manager summarised the day as one of "great, positive things," citing the victory, Havertz's return, and most of all, the resounding character shown by his match-winner, Gabriel Martinelli.
