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From being branded an “idiot” to scoring a hat-trick, Gabriel Martinell’s name has been in the headlines over the past few days.<\/b><\/p>\n
The Arsenal<\/a> winger was heavily criticised<\/a> for trying to push the injured Conor Bradley off the pitch in the closing stages of Arsenal<\/a>‘s 0-0 draw with Liverpool<\/a> on Thursday, something he apologised for on social media.<\/p>\n But the 24-year-old’s first hat-trick for Arsenal<\/a> – as they came from behind to beat Championship outfit Portsmouth and reach the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday – showed “personality”, according to his boss.<\/p>\n “It’s part of football and then it’s how you take it,” Mikel Arteta when asked how Martinelli has dealt with being the subject of so much discussion.<\/p>\n “But he knew inside the reason why he did what he did.”<\/p>\n Arteta also praised Liverpool<\/a> boss Arne Slot for his considered response to the incident, when he defended the Brazilian.<\/p>\n “I think Arne Slot spoke brilliantly after the game – speaking of your opponent in the manner that he explained the situation and the fact that Gabi had no intention whatsoever to damage any player,” added Arteta.<\/p>\n “That’s personality. Come in and talk on the pitch, which is the best part of it.” <\/p>\n Martinelli has had a mixed season, losing his starting place in the Premier League to Leandro Trossard after a drop in form and confidence.<\/p>\n He has started just six times for the Gunners, who are six points clear at the top of the table.<\/p>\n