Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli is the latest guest on Ian Wright's podcast Wrighty's House, where the forward discussed a controversial moment in his career to date. The 21-year-old had a breakout season last year, contributing 12 goal involvements in 29 Premier League appearances.
A run in December 2021 saw him score four goals in six games, wreaking havoc for anyone who faced him. Mikel Arteta was full of praise for the Brazilian, saying: "He [Martinelli] trains incredibly hard, he is always willing to do more and he is not scared or afraid to take risks - and that is what I like about him.
"You cannot play every action at 100mph, it is impossible. It is not very efficient for you because you burn yourself out after a few minutes, and then you're just chasing a situation and not reading exactly what is needed. Gabi is doing much better at that. We have to try to do that without losing the passion, the energy and this capacity he has to just affect the game with the way he acts on the pitch."
READ MORE: Arsenal told Cody Gakpo transfer price as Gunners eye potential move for PSV star winger
While there have been plenty of highlights in his short career so far, the previous campaign did see one particular low moment for the forward. In a 1-0 victory over Wolves in February, Martinelli was wrapped up in a bizarre incident that saw him receive a red card.
With the ball out for a throw-in to the Midlands club, the youngster attempted to stop the counter by pushing the holder of the ball. This didn't work, springing a counter that Martinelli eventually tracked down and took out, receiving a yellow card for each incident.
Discussing it on Ian Wright's podcast, the Arsenal icon said to the Brazilian: "You know what was really funny? I've got to say the Wolves game, you know the sending off?
"In the space of like 10 seconds my man got sent off. I was watching on the television and when it happened [bursts out laughing]."
Martinelli then adds: "Everybody asks me this and I can't explain it."
Before Wright asks back: "It was so crazy! Could you believe it yourself?"
"I couldn't believe it," The Arsenal forward replied. "I didn't know what to say, I was like 'what?' He gave me three cards [gestures waving cards], he goes one, two and then red. Three cards!"
While a frustrating moment at the time, the pair could reflect back on it and laugh at the absurdity of the situation. While Martinelli will be hoping to replicate lots from last season into the next, that moment certainly won't be one of them.
READ NEXT:
Arsenal have 13 players guaranteed to miss Crystal Palace trip at the start of next season
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest updates and rumours from the Emirates Stadium
Full Arsenal Premier League fixture list for 2022/23
Arsenal dealt transfer blow as Lucas Paqueta left 'unconvinced' over move despite Edu admiration
Three things spotted during Arsenal vs Brentford as Fabio Vieira makes surprise appearance
