If you’re like me, you would’ve watched the replay of Gabriel Martinelli’s winning goal against Aston Villa 100 times by now. At first, it was easy to overlook Fabio Vieira’s involvement in the goal but his hold-up play, patience and execution to play it through to wrap up the game for Arsenal was just simply beautiful.
From a very-basic viewpoint, this counter attack was a smooth transaction. Vieira’s creativity and vision brought the best out of Martinelli to grant him a goal, and Martinelli’s pace and movement brought the best out of Vieira to grant him a goal. Long story short – Vieira and Martinelli bring the best out of each other.
This is a relationship which didn’t blossom on the pitch, but instead it first blossomed in the dressing room and then transcended onto the pitch. Those of us that are active on social media will see the relationship these two have. Speaking in an interview with Arsenal’s official website, Vieira has claimed that Martinelli was pivotal to his transition to London.
Due to speaking the same language, the two were drawn together when Fabio Vieira was signed in the summer. Vieira has singled out Martinelli as a “good person with a good heart”.
Vieira and Martinelli isn’t the only bromance which is blossoming at Arsenal. Below, I have linked my recent article assessing Jorginho’s similar comments about Granit Xhaka.
The reason why Arsenal are top of the league and have been the best team in England this season is because they are playing as a collective. The culture at Arsenal hasn’t been as close as it is today since the Invincibles – when they last won the league. It goes back to the same old saying – team work makes the dream work, but to establish teamwork, it should be a collective effort of individual relationships.
Where do you think Arsenal will finish at the end of this season?