‘THAT WAS THIERRY HENRY-ISH’ – Rio Ferdinand compares Gabriel Martinelli to Arsenal legend after scoring double against Crystal Palace

On Saturday at the Emirates, Gabriel Martinelli scored two goals in the midst of a 5-0 victory over Arsenal after entering the game as a late substitute. Rio Ferdinand and Martin Keown, discussing Martinelli on TNT Sports following the match, compared the Brazilian forward to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry in terms of the manner in which he executed both of his late-game endeavors.

Rio Ferdinand and Martin Keown compared Gabriel Martinelli to Thierry Henry on Saturday afternoon, following the Brazilian’s two goals in Arsenal’s 5-0 victory over Crystal Palace.
In order to remain in contention with Manchester City, Liverpool, and Aston Villa for the Premier League, Arsenal needed a victory. Two early goals from set pieces placed the team on the path to a decisive victory.
Ferdinand told TNT Sports that the early goals were crucial in calming the Emirates crowd and the team.

He stated, “You have chosen to begin the contest. They dominated the majority of the game’s opening periods before receiving a set piece and scoring two goals. Upon reflection, I believe Mikel Arteta will be pleased with the manner in which his squad has responded following two consecutive losses.
“The set-piece coach has performed exceptionally well.”


“Another negative outcome would have thrown this location into hysteria,” he continued. You’ve got City, who at this point in the season possess an unrelenting tempo.

“They must continue to do so.” That objective subdued the apprehension in the entire room. They were able to capitalize on that, and by the conclusion of the match, they were exhibiting the type of fluid football that Arsenal is accustomed to witnessing.


The late substitute wideman Martinelli scored two quick goals to secure the victory; the comparison to Henry was uncomplicated, given that the player entered the field from the left and curled the ball around Dean Henderson in the penalty area.
Ferdinand continued, “I liked this aspect of him.” Although the defender makes an erroneous decision, he maintains his composure and tranquility in front of the goal. “He was phenomenal at getting into those areas; he resembled Thierry Henry in that regard.”
Keown agreed, stating, “He was, and he performs his duties away from the ball as opposed to chasing after it.” As openings occurred, it was an ideal moment to bring him on. “His second objective is a carbon copy, which is an identical type of space.”It was extremely beneficial that Martinelli gained the confidence to enter the game from the sideline. The group would benefit from his participation in achieving those two objectives.


Ferdinand and Keown had discussed Arsenal’s goal drought prior to the match, with Gabriel Jesus’ inadequacy as an out-and-out striker being a major concern.
Keown expressed his admiration for Jesus following the victory, but suggested that his propensity to stray could indicate both a flaw and an alternative application for him.
“I like him as a player; I believe he is an outstanding player,” he stated. Simply put, something seems amiss; could he be the predator after all? Is he interested in attaining that central position?It appeared as though he had returned to type when he said, “I’ll wander into a wide position before feeding someone else.”He fails to make the necessary dashes into the box. You must truly desire to get there. It is imperative to possess the motivation to attain the object. Although he is able to perceive the area, he does not wish to enter it for whatever purpose. They do not provide him with food or the ball, but he simply needs to improve in that regard.It is noteworthy that after possessing him for a few years, Pep Guardiola decided to utilize him in that precise position. It appeared that he accepted that position with Manchester City. However, if he is to be Arsenal’s center forward, greater effort will need to be devoted to maintaining him in that position. However, despite the fact that he performs admirably for the team and is a tremendous talent, I do not currently perceive him as a predator.
Ferdinand concurred that in order for Jesus to head the line for the club, he should be utilized more centrally: “He must desire to be inside that 18-yard box. I believe he has appeared more at ease in and around these expansive areas. “With a little bit of space, the accountability for objectives is absent.”