Martinelli almost scores ‘Puskas worthy’ goal – but fluffs lines at last second

Gabriel Martinelli was agonisingly denied one of the goals of the season after running nearly the length of the pitch during Arsenal's clash with Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League on Thursday.

The Brazilian samba'd his way through four challenges before rounding the goalkeeper after launching a devastating one-man counter attack from the edge of Arsenal's box, but his last touch let him down as it allowed Sporting's Jeremiah St. Juste (yes, that's his real name) to nick the ball just as he was about to roll into an empty net.

The run, which had a striking resemblance to the goal he scored against Chelsea in 2020, sent fans wild on social media, with some even suggesting it would have earned a Puskas Award nomination had Martinelli scored from it.

READ MORE: Arsenal fans slam 'statue' Matt Turner for goal as they wonder 'how are we top'

"Martinelli was close to winning the Puskas award tonight, final touch before he was about to shoot f***** it," one supporter tweeted.

"Martinelli almost scored a Puskas goal wow," commented another, while a third added: "Oh my days what a goal that would have been."

Had it gone in, would that goal have been nominated for the Puskas Award? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

Another fan agonised: "That last touch to go around the keeper was shocking, a better touch there and he's scored a definite Puskas goal."

The Gunners head into next week's second leg at the Emirates knowing that a win will take them into the quarters after being held to a 2-2 draw in Portugal.

William Saliba gave Mikel Arteta's side the lead with a header from a corner, but Sporting equalised minutes later via a near-identical strike from defender Goncalo Inacio, who rose above stranded goalkeeper Matt Turner.

The home side then took the lead at the start of the second half through Paulinho, but a Hidemasa Morita own goal ensured the spoils were shared.

READ NEXT:

  • Granit Xhaka at centre of 15-man melee after Saliba opens Arsenal scoring

  • Arsenal star Jorginho's mum breaks down in tears inside Gunners' dressing room

  • Arsenal fans spot Olivier Giroud laughing and dancing after Spurs are dumped out

Source: Read Full Article