Agbonlahor also reminded Martinelli that had played rubbish for a month before Saturday’s game and should not be celebrating a tap-in goal
By Kehinde Okeowo
Pundit and ex-Aston Villa striker, Gabriel Agbonlahor has taken exceptions to how Arsenal forward, Gabriel Martinelli celebrated his seventh Premier League (PL) goal of the season.
According to the PL striker, it was disrespectful to Unai Emery’s side and it was an unnecessary and provocative act.
Martinelli during the early kickoff league clash between Arsenal and Aston Villa had started celebrating his goal before putting the ball into the back of the net during his club’s 4-2 win at Villa Park on Saturday.
The crucial goal, though an injury-time one, was the fourth goal that effectively sealed the faith of the hosts, as they tried to come from behind to level the score at 2-3.
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The Brazil international was dropped for the clash, having failed to chip in with a goal or an assist since New Year’s Eve.
However, he ended up tapping the ball into an empty net to seal the comeback victory after Villa goalkeeper, Martinez, went up in search of a goal from a corner.
Analysing the match on talkSPORT, Agbonhalor, said his celebration was disrespectful to the host.
He also reminded Martinelli that had played rubbish before Saturday’s game and should not be celebrating a tap-in that way.
He said: “I didn’t like Martinelli running through, empty net, and he’s just celebrating before he’s put the ball into the back of the net.
“You know he’s been rubbish for a month, and he’s scoring a tap-in and celebrating before he scores.
“[It’s a] lack of respect for your team-mates, I didn’t like it,” he said.
The victory takes the Gunners back to the top of the PL log table after leapfrogging Man City, who dropped 2 points at Nottingham Forest the same day.