‘I think’: Ian Wright now reveals whether he thinks Martinelli should’ve celebrated before scoring for Arsenal
Ian Wright has revealed whether he believes Gabriel Martinelli should have celebrated before scoring for Arsenal on Saturday against Aston Villa.
Martinelli completed the Gunners’ 4-2 victory at Villa Park by racing through on an empty net.
The 21-year-old capitalized on Emiliano Martinez’s foray up the field to attack a Villa corner, and prior to putting the ball into an empty net, he raised his arms in celebration.
Gabriel Agbonlahor criticized the Brazilian for displaying a “lack of respect” toward Villa, but Wright believes that the celebration was merely playful.
Wright on Martinelli celebration
Speaking on the Kelly and Wrighty Show, the Arsenal legend had his say on Martinelli’s celebration at Villa Park.
“I think that’s quite fun! What’s happening is that it’s not very often you know that you are definitely going to score,” Wright said.
“When you are running through and you know you are going to score, you get this unbelievable rush.”
After extending his arms, Martinelli essentially had the ball in the back of the net, making it difficult to discern what he did wrong, despite criticism from some analysts.
It would have been more difficult for the youth to miss the opportunity than to score.
It’s understandable that the Brazilian was relieved to put the game out of reach for his team, given that Arsenal had just endured a difficult stretch of play.
Wright makes an excellent point that it’s all in good fun, and while Martinelli’s early celebration could be construed as disrespectful, entertainment is what football is all about, and the Arsenal youngster certainly provides this.
After losing their previous three Premier League games, the Gunners were in dire need of a victory.
After Manchester City’s draw to Nottingham Forest, Arteta’s squad has regained the lead in the title race, and neither they nor Martinelli can be faulted for their elation.
‘I think’: Ian Wright now reveals whether he thinks Martinelli should’ve celebrated before scoring for Arsenal