Gabriel Martinelli’s fiancee Isabella Rousso predicted the Arsenal winger’s late goal against Manchester City when sending a motivational pre-match text to her partner. Brazil international Martinelli started a crunch Premier League clash at Emirates Stadium among the substitutes, but stepped off the bench to score a dramatic equaliser in a thrilling 1-1 draw.
Arsenal needed a hero at Emirates Stadium
The Gunners needed inspiration from somewhere as the clock ticked down in north London, with Erling Haaland’s 13th goal of the season for club and country seemingly putting City on their way to a battling victory.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportLate drama as Martinelli nets equaliser
Martinelli was, however, to have the final say as he calmly clipped the ball over Gianluigi Donnarumma in the 93rd minute. He had been on the pitch for a little over 10 minutes when that decisive contribution to proceedings was made.
Isabella's pre-match prediction for Martinelli
The 24-year-old forward was disappointed not to make Mikel Arteta’s starting XI and made Isabella aware of his benching after the team sheets dropped. She responded with: “You'll play against tired legs and you'll score. You'll see.”
Impact substitutes for Arteta's Arsenal
That mystic prediction proved to be correct, with Arteta seeing the changes that he made – with Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze also being introduced in the second-half – pay off. Martinelli’s attitude has been hailed by his manager after starting just two Premier League matches this season.