Arsenal fans have given a harsh verdict on Gabriel Martinelli after Brazil’s elimination from the Copa America last night.

The South American giants suffered one of their worst tournament results in living memory as Brazil exited the quarter-finals of the Copa America at the hands of Uruguay, with Marcelo Bielsa’s side winning on penalties.

Arsenal had two players in the Brazil squad in Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes, though the two stars, despite their performances for the north London side in the last two months, were hardly used by manager Dorival Junior.

Yet on social media, Arsenal fans were critical of Martinelli because of one thing in last night’s loss to Uruguay.

Martinelli questioned over Brazil penalty despite scoring vs Uruguay

With Brazil losing on penalties, it’s strange to imagine Arsenal fans criticising Martinelli despite scoring his spot-kick, yet that is now the world we live in, as supporters were not too pleased with the winger’s technique.

With the Uruguay goalkeeper reacting badly to the penalty, Arsenal supporters have been quick to point out that Maritnelli’s strike would have been easily saved had the opposing shot-stopper done just a bit better to stop the Brazilian forward.

One Arsenal fan wrote: “Glad he scored that, but that was not a great pen. If the keeper guesses right, that’s an easy save.”

Another supporter posted on Martinelli’s penalty: “Emi Martinez saves that. Not a great pen but glad he scored.”

Indeed, whilst it’s easy to understand why some fans were questioning Martinelli’s approach, the end result is all that matters in situations like this, with the Arsenal forward dispatching his penalty way beyond Sergio Rochet.

With Bukayo Saka also scoring a crucial penalty in an international tournament earlier in the day, it was a good day for Arsenal players from the spot, even with Martinelli’s side crashing out.

An Arsenal supporter said on Martinelli’s penalty technique: “Never seen him go the other way, always picks the same side.”

Whilst another fan wrote: “That run-up is killing me but that’s his first pen since Sporting.”

Criticism of Martinelli’s Brazil penalty is strange behaviour

Martinelli’s estimation amongst Arsenal fans has certainly taken a hit in the last 12 months after an underwhelming year under Mikel Arteta when compared to what the attacker managed in the 2022/23 season.

And criticism of Maritnelli’s penalty for Brazil last night could be an extension of such an opinion, with Arsenal fans taking a strange direction in slamming the 23-year-old winger even when he did his part in the shootout.

The upcoming season will be a massive one for Martinelli, and with Arsenal fans already on his back, the Brazilian international will want to prove his worth and his quality in a big way when the Premier League returns.

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