Gabriel Martinelli's gesture moments after Arsenal Champions League heroics speaks volumes

Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli enjoyed his best moment for the club this season on Tuesday night against Athletic Club.

Martinelli was named on the bench for the second fixture in a row, with Mikel Arteta opting to start Eberechi Eze. The summer signing registered an assist against Nottingham Forest on Saturday for Viktor Gyokeres.

In Spain, Eze failed to get into the game and was replaced by Martinelli in the 71st minute. 36 seconds later, he scored his first goal of the season.

A neat passage of play with Leandro Trossard led to the Brazilian calmly slotting past Unai Simon to put the Gunners ahead. He then returned the favour for Trossard to ensure the three points in the Champions League league phase.

"Fully deserved," Arteta said on Martinelli when asked about his character to come off the bench and help his side win. "I adore Gabriel. His attitude, his commitment, his positivity, what he's willing to do for the team.

"As a family, we certainly value all the qualities that he has, and he brings to the team. And I'm so happy that today he's decided he can cross in the two options."

After his successful cameo off the bench, Martinelli showed more personality with a nice moment with a supporter. After removing his shirt and replacing it with the training sweatshirt, the forward approached one young Athletic Club supporter to hand him his shirt.

The 24-year-old posed for a picture with the young fan by the Arsenal dug-out before heading down the tunnel.

Martinelli's goal at the San Mames Stadium was met with a resounding response from his teammates on the pitch. Gabriel Jesus, who missed the game due to injury, took to Instagram to congratulate his compatriot.

Posting a video of the goal on his story, he wrote, "Boa irmão Merece demais," which translates to, "Good brother, you really deserve it!"

Asked about the support Martinelli received on the pitch and from Jesus on social media, Arteta said: "That's the spirit. That's why I really enjoy every single day working with them and being part of this team, because the way they look after each other is genuine, and they really want the best for each other.

"And they recognise someone that works every single day in a manner that Gabby does. And you can go through struggles or through moments, and recognising that and having that capacity to connect with him, I think it would mean a lot to him."

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