06 February 2024 , 17:23
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Gabriel Martinelli has claimed that Arsenal targeted Trent Alexander-Arnold and Liverpool's right side during Sunday's 3-1 win at the Emirates.
For all of Alexander-Arnold's attacking qualities, concerns over his defensive ability have long lingered over the Reds right-back like a black cloud. Those who aren't convinced by the Liverpool academy graduate as a defender are unlikely to have changed their mind after watching the Gunners get the better of Jurgen Klopp's side in what was an enthralling title showdown.
Tasked with keeping Martinelli quiet, Alexander-Arnold couldn't quite manage it. Arsenal's young Brazilian enjoyed arguably his best individual performance of the campaign so far and got a goal to show for his efforts.
After the game, Martinelli revealed how he, along with the rest of the Gunners squad, were aware of the joy they could get by attacking Liverpool's right defensive flank. He explained: "We knew that was the area of the pitch that we could get something from. Me personally I always do well against Liverpool."
While the comments may make for grim reading from Alexander-Arnold's perspective, they aren't wrong. Martinelli has scored five goals for Arsenal against Liverpool, the joint-most amount against an opposition side along with Crystal Palace.
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It is probably goes some way to explaining why Reds boss Klopp is such a vocal admirer of Martinelli. After one Carabao Cup fixture in which the Arsenal ace bagged a brace at Anfield, the Liverpool manager dubbed him the "talent of the century".
But the public praise doesn't stop there. Ahead of Liverpool's trip to the Emirates last season, Klopp was once again asked about the Arsenal attacker. He replied: "Martinelli, very early on I was excited about him. He’s become exactly the player I expected. He deserves everything coming his way."
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Gabriel Martinelli has admitted Arsenal targeted Trent Alexander-Arnold last SundayMartinelli has actually endured one of his more difficult seasons since he arrived at the Emirates in the summer of 2019. Coming off the back of a campaign in which he bagged 15 league goals last term, many were expecting even more this time around.
Instead, the Brazil international has just five strikes in 21 league appearances. However, given two of those have come against Manchester City and Liverpool, Martinelli has proven that despite being just 22 yeears of age, he is someone Arteta can rely upon for the big occasions.