Martinelli has ‘always delivered big moments’ – Declan Rice after Arsenal snatch late draw against Man City | OneFootball

Declan Rice lauded the impact of Gabriel Martinelli after the Brazilian scored a 93rd minute equaliser against Manchester City to secure a 1-1 draw.

Erling Haaland had given City a first-half lead but Martinelli came off the bench late on to run on to Ebere Eze’s through ball and dink it over Gianluigi Donnarumma.

And his team-mate Rice praised Martinelli’s consistent impact: “Ever since I’ve come to the club he has delivered big moments. Some players can sulk if they get put on the bench but he shows his heart and desire.

“The run and finish is unbelievable. He fully deserves it. You wouldn’t meet a nicer guy. He’s come on and produced a moment of magic.”

City boss Pep Guardiola opted to try and protect his side’s lead by bringing on several defenders and Rice believes it is a sign of how much respect opponents now have for Arsenal.

“We’ve gained respect of the opposition,” he said. “They know the quality we have from front to back. We passed and moved well in the first half and in the second but there was always the threat on the counter.

“In the end, we deserved the goal and would have been disappointed to come away losing.”