Attacker Martinelli and defender Mari were omitted from the Arsenal squad which defeated Everton 3-2
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal beat Everton at home by three goals to two. However, the Gunners boss left loanee Pablo Mari and teen sensation, Gabriel Martinelli, out of the squad. The forward played s key role in Arsenal’s win over Olympiakos mid-week, and the Spanish defender is yet to make an appearance.
There was no lack of sportsmanship from the duo as they were at the Emirates to cheer for their team.
How the events unfolded at Emirates
It was Everton who drew first blood as the Toffees took an early lead. Young Calvin-Lewin scored within a minute, putting pressure on the Gunners. However, Arsenal found their savior in another youngster. Gunners’ Eddie Nketiah put his team level in the 27th minute.
Within the next six minutes, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored his first goal to put the Gunners ahead. However, Everton drew level just before the half-time whistle. Mikel Arteta’s half-time talk must have been impressive. Within a minute after the game resumed, Aubameyang scored again to put his team in lead.
Everton played more attacking football, however, as they attempted 17 shots, five of which were on target. In comparison, Arsenal attempted only nine shots but was more accurate. Four shots were on target, with three of them leading to goals.
Aubameyang and goalkeeper Bernd Leno were on the top of their game. With this win, Arsenal moved to a ninth point on the table with 37 points from 27 games. Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton went down to eleventh with 36 points from the same number of matches.
What were Martinelli and Mari up to?
Fans of Arsenal expected teen sensation Gabriel Martinelli to start the match considering how important the match was. However, Arteta left him out of the squad, opting to give a chance to Eddie Nketiah. Pablo Mari, who was signed on loan from Flamengo, is yet to make an appearance. Fans surely expected to see their new signing in action.
The duo showed great sportsmanship as they were present in the stands of Emirates Stadium to show their support. The Brazilian posted a photo with the Spaniard defender on Instagram with the Portuguese caption: “Tamo junto meu irmao,” which translates to “We are together my brother.”
This is the first professional season for the 18-years-old Brazilian. He has appeared on 24 games for the North London club and has bagged 10 goals. He has also provided 4 assists.
