Paul Merson has heaped great praise on Gabriel Martinelli for 'bouncing back' after previously struggling to impress for Arsenal. The 21-year-old was one of the Premier League's most dangerous forwards at the start of the season, directly contributing towards six goals in his first nine games.
However, during the first six weeks of the new year, he failed to reach the heights he once prided himself with. In that time, Martinelli featured eight times for the Gunners and registered just one assist.
After finding his confidence again with a goal off the bench against Aston Villa, the Brazil international has not only rejuvenated Arsenal's title race but also his performances. In a column for the the Daily Star, Merson hailed Martinelli for dragging himself out of a rut and the 'stepping up to the plate'.
