Gabriel Martinelli appeared to dedicate his goal against Sheffield United last night to Arsenal teammate Bukayo Saka, who had left the field injured not long before.
Martinelli missed the majority of the season with a knee injury, so will be absolutely delighted to be back in the mix with the Gunners and starting games.
MORE: Arsenal suffer major injury blow ahead of the biggest week of their season
His inclusion in the starting XI at Bramall Lane yesterday night was entirely justified by a second-half goal, his first in the Premier League for over a year.
After the ball hit the back of the net, Martinelli’s teammates rushed over to congratulate him, but there was only one man he wanted to throw his arm around – and he wasn’t there.
As reported by Sky Sports, Martinelli has previously eluded to the “amazing” relationship he has with Arsenal teenage counterpart Bukayo Saka.
He would have loved to have celebrated with the England international last night, but with Saka having been withdrawn through injury, Martinelli had to use his imagination…
Gabriel Martinelli’s celebration after his goal against Sheffield United tonight, missing his partner in crime, Bukayo Saka. #afc
❤️ @g_martinelli01 @BukayoSaka87 pic.twitter.com/Vcffpl3XXT
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) April 11, 2021