Gabriel Martinelli was full of admiration for Gabriel Jesus after the Arsenal forward produced a sensational hat-trick to inspire a commanding 4-1 away victory over Portsmouth, a performance that underlined both the Brazilian’s quality and the growing chemistry within Mikel Arteta’s side.
Speaking after the final whistle, Martinelli made it clear that Jesus’ influence went far beyond the three goals he scored, describing him as a leader, a confidence booster, and a player who elevates everyone around him.
Arsenal arrived at Fratton Park knowing they would face a hostile atmosphere and a Portsmouth side determined to make life difficult, but from the opening exchanges it was clear that the visitors were in control. Gabriel Jesus set the tone early with his movement, energy, and relentless pressing, constantly pulling defenders out of position and creating space for his teammates. Martinelli, operating with freedom on the flank, was one of the biggest beneficiaries, repeatedly finding pockets of space as Jesus dragged the Portsmouth back line into uncomfortable areas.
The breakthrough came when Jesus calmly finished a well-worked move, announcing his intent for the afternoon. From that moment on, Arsenal looked confident and ruthless, moving the ball quickly and with purpose. Martinelli later revealed that he could sense something special was coming from his compatriot. He praised Jesus for his focus and hunger, noting that even after scoring his first goal, the striker was already pushing the team to stay sharp and keep pressing for more.
Jesus doubled his tally before halftime with a composed finish that showcased his intelligence and composure in front of goal. By then, Portsmouth were struggling to cope with Arsenal’s tempo, and Martinelli was instrumental in stretching the play and creating openings. It was during this phase of the match that Martinelli provided a crucial contribution, delivering the assist that allowed Jesus to complete his hat-trick. The pass was perfectly weighted, but Martinelli was quick to deflect attention away from himself, insisting that Jesus’ movement and anticipation made the chance possible.
After the match, Martinelli spoke glowingly about the understanding between the two Brazilians. He explained that they have developed a natural connection, both on and off the pitch, which translates into confidence during games. According to Martinelli, playing alongside Jesus makes his job easier because he always knows where the striker will be and how he wants the ball delivered. He also highlighted Jesus’ work rate, describing him as a forward who never stops running, defending from the front, and setting an example for the rest of the team.
Although Portsmouth managed to pull one goal back, Arsenal never looked threatened, and the fourth goal sealed a comprehensive victory for the away side. It was a performance that reflected Arteta’s philosophy and the squad’s growing maturity, but the spotlight firmly belonged to Gabriel Jesus. Martinelli emphasized that the hat-trick was richly deserved, pointing out that Jesus has worked tirelessly behind the scenes and remained patient even during periods when goals were harder to come by.
Martinelli also stressed the importance of unity within the squad, suggesting that performances like this are the result of collective belief and mutual trust. He credited Jesus for lifting the spirits in the dressing room and helping younger players settle into the rhythm of big matches. In Martinelli’s view, the striker’s influence is measured not just in goals, but in the confidence he instills across the team.
As Arsenal continue their campaign with ambition and momentum, the partnership between Martinelli and Jesus looks increasingly vital. The winger made it clear that he is excited about what lies ahead, especially if his teammate continues to perform at such a high level. For Martinelli, this match was not just about a convincing 4-1 win, but about celebrating a teammate whose determination and quality set the standard for the entire squad.
With Gabriel Jesus firing on all cylinders and earning glowing praise from one of Arsenal’s brightest stars, the message from the camp is clear: this is a team growing in belief, cohesion, and confidence, ready to take that momentum into the challenges ahead.