Gabriel Martinelli denied ‘one of Arsenal’s best ever goals in Europe’ as Gunners star beats runs from his own half and beats three players during Europa League draw
Gabriel Martinelli was denied one of Arsenal’s greatest goals in the eventful 2-2 draw against Sporting in the Europa League.
Arsenal had scored first in Portugal when William Saliba nodded a corner home before Goncalo Inacio clinched one back in exactly the same way.
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Arsenal had to come back from behind to secure a hard-fought draw against Primeira Liga side
Sporting took the lead through Paulinho after the break but Arsenal equalized with a freak goal when Granit Xhaka’s pass hit Hidemasa Morita and trickled in.
But Martinelli was denied a truly stunning goal as he rushed in from inside his own half, beating three players and goalkeeper Antonio Adan in the process.
However, Jeremiah St Juste kept an eye on him every step of the way and was there to block the Brazilian’s shot on goal with an incredible save in what was arguably the best moment of the game.
Jim Proudfoot and Dean Ashton chatted up the TalkSPORT commentary and drooled at the prospect of Martinelli scoring.
Proudfoot said: “It could have been one of THE best Arsenal goals in Europe.”
Ashton replied: “What a run from Martinelli, it deserved a goal, I don’t think he knew St Juste was there. But wow! That was awesome.”
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Martinelli raced through on goal after 60 minutes
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Martinelli rounded the goalkeeper to give him an empty net
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But St. Juste was there to block the shot
It came just minutes after Paulinho gave Sporting the lead and could have been a glorious equalizer, but the Gunners happened to score one anyway.
Seconds later, Sporting scored again through Paulinho, who should have doubled his personal tally but went over the goal.
And with the game resembling a tennis match, Arsenal raced up the other end as Xhaka tried to find a teammate with a pass.
But in a flash, the Switzerland international leathered the ball past Morita, who slid past an unfortunate Adan.
While Mikel Arteta would have preferred the win, a 2-2 draw against the Emirates gives Arsenal a slight advantage.
Saliba had given Arsenal a goal after a corner
And with key players like Martin Odegaard, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus, potentially having those three to call on could be a huge boost for the north London side.
Ashton added at the end of the game: “I think Mikel Arteta would be happy to walk away with just a draw and no new injuries.
“And they will hope for their chances again next week with the likes of Odegaard and Trossard.”