Brazil suffered a surprise 3-2 defeat to Japan in today’s international friendly.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side raced to a comfortable 2-0 lead at the half-time interval. However, Japan made a superb comeback to pick up an unexpected win.
Despite the result, there were plenty of positives for the Selecao.
From Arsenal’s point of view, Gabriel Martinelli played 57 minutes and found the back of the net.
The 24-year-old started on the left wing with Vinicius Junior upfront, but the duo interchanged positions.
Martinelli doubled Brazil’s lead as a centre-forward after a fine through ball by Lucas Paqueta.
Aside from this, the Gunners ace completed 71 per cent of his passes and 100 per cent of his long balls.
The Brazilian did not win a single duel (0/7) or a single dribble (0/3), but still made his mark. He was clinical upfront, scoring with his only shot during the game.
Martinelli had an average 2024/25 campaign with Arsenal, but his form has been quite impressive during the early weeks of the ongoing season amid the competition.
The £48 million-rated star broke the deadlock against Athletic in the Champions League, coming off the bench before providing an assist for Leandro Trossard to double the lead.
He followed it up with a dramatic late equaliser versus Manchester City in the Premier League. Martinelli went on to score against Olympiacos in the Champions League as well.
Leandro Trossard has started on the left wing over the past three league matches. It remains to be seen whether Martinelli gets the nod over the Belgian this weekend.
Martinelli has scored three goals operating as a striker for club and country this season.
He could be a solution in the role for manager Mikel Arteta if Viktor Gyokeres’ goalless run continues.
Arsenal take on Fulham in the Premier League at Craven Cottage on Saturday.
The Gunners have failed to beat the Cottagers in the last two meetings in west London, and will be determined to pick up a victory on the road this time around.
Stats from Sofascore.com & Transfermarkt.com
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