After finding the back of the net once again at a crucial moment in our 3-1 win against Southampton, Gabriel Martinelli admits that he’s brimming with confidence once again.
The winger came off the bench to expertly steer home a superb delivery from Bukayo Saka to ensure we got in front for the first time in the afternoon, and provided an injection of energy to his side as he caused the visitors plenty of issues in the crucial part of the contest.
His goal means he has either scored or assisted in each of his last three league appearances, as many goal involvements as he had in his previous 20. He feels that he has returned to peak form just at the right time as the fixtures come thick and fast.
“I’m really happy, really confident now and just trying to play my football again,” he said post-match. “[Arteta said] go there, control the game and try to take the game to the final third and create chances for us.
“It was a tough one, we showed our qualities. I think we did really well, we won the game so really happy. We have the international now we have to go there and try to stay fit and think about the upcoming games. We’re ready and can’t wait until the Premier League is back again.”
Gabi’s goal was created by Saka's brilliance, with his pinpoint deep cross allowing the Brazilian to sneak in behind the Saints’ backline and squeeze the ball between Aaron Ramsdale and the near post with a neat sidefooted volley.
He admitted he was primed and ready to capitalise on the ability of his fellow wideman, and feels that he’s playing with a teammate at the peak of his powers.
“We know when someone opens the ball up, we know the areas that we need to go,” Gabi added. “It was an unbelievable ball from B, and I was there - a really good moment for me and a nice goal. I just tried to put it down, and I’m really happy with the goal.
“He’s a really nice guy as well so we’re really happy to have him here as one of the captains. He’s unbelievable, one of the best players in the world right now.”
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