Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta anticipates that Gabriel Martinelli will have a role in Sunday’s Premier League matchup against Brighton & Hove Albion. The Gunners are aiming to reclaim the top spot with a victory at the Emirates Stadium, although they could be displaced if Liverpool defeats Manchester United at Anfield in the weekend’s late game.
Martinelli played 69 minutes during Arsenal’s recent 1-0 loss to Aston Villa but sat out the midweek match as a rotated squad drew with PSV Eindhoven in the final game of the Champions League group stage. There were concerns about the 20-year-old Brazilian’s health, but Arteta, in his pre-match press conference, sought to reassure Arsenal fans about Martinelli’s availability to take on Brighton. “He’s feeling good. He’ll be in contention,” Arteta assured when asked about Martinelli’s status.
Additionally, Arteta addressed being cleared of misconduct by an independent committee due to comments he made about the standard of refereeing in Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat by Newcastle United at St James’ Park. The Spaniard had been frustrated at the award of Anthony Gordon’s second-half goal, which was controversially allowed to stand despite concerns over the ball going out of play and a potential foul by Joelinton on Gabriel Magalhaes.
When asked if he felt vindicated at being cleared and if there was anything positive to be gleaned from the charge, Arteta responded, “It has to be. I think it was a really good, well-run process. It gave the opportunity for both of us to say how we felt and the reasons behind it.”
Arteta is set to face off against Roberto De Zerbi on Sunday, who steered Brighton into the knockout stages of the Europa League after defeating Marseille 1-0 on Thursday. De Zerbi has been vocal about referees this season, openly admitting to reporters, “I am honest and clear, I don’t like 80% of English referees. It’s not a new thing, I don’t like them. The behavior, I don’t like their behavior on the pitch,” he further explained.
The showdown between Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams eyeing crucial points in their quest for success this season. With Martinelli’s potential return and Arteta’s cleared misconduct, fans can expect an intense and gripping match at the Emirates Stadium. Stay tuned for updates and match analysis as the action unfolds.
