Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli had some choice words ahead of their Carabao Cup semi-final clash against Newcastle United.
Toon boss Eddie Howe goes into the game knowing his side has the advantage but will be equally aware that it could all come crashing down if they do not take the game seriously.
Howe has urged Newcastle fans to bring the noise ahead of what will be one of the club’s biggest games of the season – a positive result would grant Newcastle a second trip to Wembley Stadium in three years.
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A boost for Howe is that Callum Wilson could return against Arsenal, the 32-year-old striker has been missing since December after picking up another hamstring problem. Wilson is out of contract at the end of the season and must prove to Howe that he deserves an extension.
Elsewhere, Joelinton could miss the Arsenal game through injury. The Brazilian was caught wearing a knee brace after Newcastle’s defeat to Fulham on Saturday. Joelinton was not snapped in Newcastle’s training photos ahead of the game – Howe has confirmed he is giving the 28-year-old ‘every chance’ to be fit for the game.
With an all-important game on the horizon, Arsenal man Gabriel Martinelli plans to rain on Newcastle’s parade.
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Gabriel Martinelli’s bizarre Newcastle prediction
Martinelli believes that Arsenal will reach the Carabao Cup final before a ball has been kicked in the second leg.
The Brazilian bagged an assist in the Gunners’ 5-1 win against Manchester City on Sunday and is confident that all the momentum is with his team going into the game.
Following their win, Martinelli was asked about carrying on the momentum into the Newcastle game.
“We know our qualities,” he told The Guardian.
“It’s not because we lost 2-0 to Newcastle in the last game – we are going to go there just to play now.
“We are going to go there to win the game and to score three, four, five. Let’s see.
“It is going to be another battle and we know how difficult it is to play there. But we have an amazing team and we trust ourselves. We have full confidence in our squad.”
Newcastle are looking for their first win at St James’ Park since January 15 – the Magpies have lost their last two games at home.
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Mikel Arteta’s Newcastle cup final claim
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been known to say some interesting things after games against Newcastle. He branded the PGMOL a ‘disgrace’ after the Gunners’ loss to Newcastle in November 2023 when he believed the ball had gone out of play before Anthony Gordon’s winner.
Following the first leg of the semi-final at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta bizarrely blamed the ball for their defeat.
Arteta has now responded to claims that Newcastle are one of his ‘bogey teams’ in his pre-match press conference which was transcribed on Arsenal’s website.
“They are a very difficult team to play against and there have been different games,” he said.
“We beat them at home last year in a good way, and obviously this season has been different with two very different games as well.
“It’s another opportunity in front of us, a big one that can take us to Wembley so I’m really looking forward to it.”
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