Martinelli questioned as fans fear star made ‘title-defining’ mistake

Liverpool v Arsenal: Pictures

Some football fans believe that Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli threw away a chance for his side to beat Liverpool on Sunday. The winger spearheaded a fierce counterattack with just minutes left on the clock but was unable to put the Gunners in front and they were forced to leave Anfield with a solitary point.

Mikel Arteta’s side looked like they were going to cruise to victory in Merseyside and overcome their poor record against Liverpool after just 30 minutes. Martinelli opened the scoring after just eight minutes when he latched onto a poor clearance from Virgil van Dijk to poke the ball past the onrushing Alisson Becker and send the away supporters into a frenzy.

Gabriel Jesus then capitalised on his side’s dominance with a neat header from close range just before the half-hour mark, before Mohamed Salah got one back on the stroke of half time. The Egyptian then missed a penalty before drama ensued after Roberto Firmino equalised in the 87th minute.

Liverpool dominated the latter stages of the match and looked likely to snatch a winner until Arsenal launched a dangerous counterattack just seconds after Aaron Ramsdale had come to the rescue with several incredible saves.

Don’t miss…
Arteta hits out at Arsenal after Liverpool draw with title verdict [LATEST]

The Gunners had a three-on-one, with Martinelli released down the left, Leandro Trossard racing clear on his outside and Bukayo Saka pulling into space on his right. Andrew Robertson had no choice but to stay central in order to cover both runners, though he had no reason to fear as Martinelli’s pass to Saka was markedly overhit and Alisson raced out of his box to clear.

Responding to a clip of the chance on Twitter, one supporter wrote: “Martinelli has to time that pass, that could be title-defining.” Another added: “Martinelli’s poor pass to Saka at the end cost us three points.”

Don’t miss…
Ramsdale miracle saves leave Neville screaming as Arsenal held to draw [LATEST]
Liverpool player ratings as weak link clear in chaotic Arsenal draw [NEWS]
Liverpool vs Arsenal lino to be investigated for ‘elbow’ on Robertson [BREAKING]

One supporter raged: “Still can’t believe that Martinelli pass. Three on one and he passes it to the goalkeeper. Unbelievable.”

Arsenal will feel somewhat fortunate that they managed to escape from Anfield with a point given how they self-destructed in the second half, though to have a two-goal lead and not win the match will also be incredibly disappointing. Arteta was keen not to dwell on the result though, telling the press after the match: “We’ve been responding for 31 games now. Every single day is a test. The test now is how good are we going to be on Monday, and how well will we prepare and play the way we want to play to beat West Ham.”

Source: Read Full Article