Gabriel Martinelli returns for Gunners
There was no suggestion in the build-up to the contest that Arsenal would be welcoming any of their injured stars back on Sunday. Thus, there was plenty of surprise. When Martinelli was spotte with the team in Manchester on Saturday night.
His inclusion in the matchday squad was confirme in the hours before kick-off. The Brazilian took his place among the substitutes before entering the fray 58 minutes in.
Martinelli replaced the subdued Ethan Nwaneri down the right flank and supplied an alternate threat amid Arsenal’s struggles to penetrate United’s deepening defensive block. In truth, the Brazilian’s cameo was hardly game-changing. He hit the byline with his head down. But wasn’t always willing to cross, and the one chance he did have after breaking in behind was follow up with a telegraphed effort at Onana’s near post.
He was thankful that the linesman’s flag went up after spooning a gilt-edge chance over from close-range after Onana parried an Odegaard effort into his path. It’s underwhelming scoring season for Martinelli, and although it wouldn’t have counted had he found the back of the net, his wild effort was indicative of a player who often blows hot and cold in front of goal.
Still, the winger at least supplies Arteta with another attacking option down the stretch. His ability in transition will prove handy in Europe.
David Raya to the rescue
A point does very little for the Gunners. Although, in truth, would a victory have mattered either?
Nevertheless, Arsenal supporters หากคุณสนใจเล่นพนันออนไลน์ที่ดีที่สุด สามารถสมัครสมาชิก UFABET ได้ที่นี่ พร้อมรับโปรโมชั่นพิเศษสำหรับสมาชิกใหม่ have their goalkeeper to thank for Man Utd failing to claim bragging rights on Sunday afternoon. Sure, you can question his positioning for the free-kick. Which Fernandes scored. But he made three huge second-half saves to ensure the Gunners weren’t beaten.
The stop with his right foot to prevent Mazraoui from doubling United’s lead was outstanding, and his work at the death to deny Fernandes was reminiscent of his leap to stop Mateo Retegui’s rebound in the Champions League against Atalanta back in September. In between those special sequences, Raya smartly denied a clever Zirkzee flick. Which easily could’ve outfoxed him.
This was a weekend which saw Raya lose ground on Matz Sels in the Golden Glove race, but the Arsenal goalkeeper reminded us all of his brilliance at Old Trafford.