(Credit: Directo GOL TV)

Jonathan Burnett

Wed 6 August 2025 20:54, UK

Gabriel Martinelli was unlucky not to win a penalty in the first half of Arsenal’s 3-2 friendly defeat to Villarreal on Wednesday.

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Arsenal’s pre-season fixtures have been largely experimental so far this summer as Mikel Arteta‘s squad undergoes some significant changes, with Martinelli one player who could be pushed towards an exit.

The Brazilian’s place is under threat at the Emirates after Noni Madueke’s arrival and Arsenal’s continued pursuit of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, but Martinelli was given the nod to start against Villarreal.

Martinelli lined up with Viktor Gyokeres and Bukayo Saka in Arteta’s front three against Villarreal, but Arsenal found themselves 2-0 down inside 35 minutes after goals from Nicolas Pepe and Etta Eyong.

Christian Norgaard pulled one back with his first Arsenal goal, but heading into half-time, Martinelli was at the centre of a decision which could have levelled things up in an eventual 3-2 defeat for the Gunners.

Martinelli has been a key man for Arsenal under Mikel Arteta

This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.

Martinelli had already swung in the corner for Norgaard’s far-post header to make it 2-1, but Arsenal‘s number 11 planned to go for goal himself late in the first half when he cut inside from the left flank.

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The 24-year-old had Villarreal defender Santiago Mourino beaten before he was held back by the Uruguayan and eventually hit the deck outside the area, only for referee Sam Barrott to wave play on.

Mourino had his hands in the air to beg his innocence as soon as Martinelli went down, and despite the Brazilian’s proximity to the outside of the box, almost all the required contact came inside the area.

Arsenal did go on to win a penalty through Max Dowman in the second half which Martin Odegaard scored to make it 3-2, but Keith Hackett argued that the Gunners should have already had a spot-kick.

Mikel Arteta’s side have lost two of their four pre-season friendlies (Credit: Imago)

Speaking exclusivley to Football Insider and asked if Mourino’s man-handling of Martinelli warranted a penalty despite Barrott’s inability to give anything in Arsenal’s favour, Hackett had no doubts whatsoever.

“We see sustained upper body fouls going unpunished”, he told Football Insider.

“It is evident that the Villarreal player Mourino was holding his opponent in Martinelli, and a penalty kick should have been awarded.”

Barrott is one of the Premier League‘s regular referees and could well have made a different decision had points or cup progression been on the line in this game, and Martinelli will certainly hope that’s the case in the future should a similar incident occur.

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