Arsenal fans think Gabriel Martinelli is as good as Marcus Rashford but doesn't have the 'PR' to back him up

There can be no doubting Marcus Rashford's current form, with the Manchester United forward much improved this season for his side – but Arsenal fans feel one of their players is worthy of more attention.

Gunners supporters on social media are championing the work of Gabriel Martinelli, after flagging that the Brazilian is just one Premier League goal and one assist short of Rashford's numbers this season.

Three Arsenal players have gone past 10 goals in the league already this season, with Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard racking up some serious scoring numbers.

Martinelli's goal in Arsenal's 4-1 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon made him the club's top scorer in the Premier League with 13.

He's also got two assists to his name, while Rashford – who has received huge amount of praise from pundits and commentators this season – has 14 league goals and three assists.

Some Arsenal fans believe it's Rashford's 'PR' which means he gets more attention than Martinelli, despite the pair posting similar goal and assist figures; although Manchester United fans will point out that their player has 27 goals in all competitions (Martinelli's figure is the same – 13).

One fan on social media posted the comparison and said: "Martinelli, you deserve some flowers man.:

Another Arsenal fan agreed, replying: "Two players having amazing seasons, shame Martinelli isn't rated by rivals but also a good section of our fanbase doesn't rate him either."

Martinelli, you deserve some flowers man. pic.twitter.com/IlhciATTB9

— PME 🚭🦅🗽🇺🇸 (@mariEscobarPAWG) March 19, 2023

Mikel Arteta praised his players for rallying round Martinelli after his costly penalty miss against Sporting in the Europa League on Thursday night. After the tie finished 3-3 on aggregate after two legs and extra time, Martinelli's miss handed Sporting the shootout victory.

“They were a team around him straightaway," said Arteta.

"But he is not someone who is very concerned with this part of football. He takes responsibility, chances, and when you see him running around the next day with that energy, honestly I wasn’t very concerned about it.”

On the electric form of widemen Martinelli and Saka, Arteta added: "They eat the right things, they live the right way and everything that they put in this brain is the right information."