-
Beth Lindop
Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed concern over Gabriel Martinelli‘s actions during a tense 0-0 stalemate against Arsenal, where Martinelli pushed an injured Conor Bradley. Slot noted that this “doesn’t look great” and raised concerns about the severity of Bradley’s injury.
Bradley was brought down off the ball, appearing to sustain a knee injury during stoppage time as Martinelli tried to move him off the pitch in a bid to set up a late chance for Arsenal.
– Arsenal still maintain title race control, Liverpool seek improvements
– Arsenal laments lost opportunity to extend lead to 8
– January 2026 Premier League transfers: All confirmed ins and outs
After the incident, Bradley was stretchered off the field in significant pain, with several players from Liverpool expressing their disapproval of Martinelli’s actions.
“I don’t know Gabriel Martinelli personally, but he seems like a decent person. Unfortunately, in football, time-wasting and players feigning injury are common, and it can frustrate you when trying to score,” said Slot during the press conference.
“It’s tough to ask Martinelli, in such an emotional moment during the 94th minute, to consider that he’s playing against Liverpool, a team typically reluctant to go down. If he had anticipated the injury’s severity, I’m certain he wouldn’t have acted as he did. However, if Bradley’s condition is as concerning as we suspect, it doesn’t look good.”
Slot also remarked on Bradley’s condition: “I’m not sure yet, but it doesn’t bode well to be taken off on a stretcher. We’ll know more once we review the footage.”
Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai echoed the sentiment, stating Martinelli’s actions were unnecessary: “I saw Conor twist his knee. He was in so much pain that he wasn’t thinking about coming back on. I understand the urge to win, but player health must come first.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta defended Martinelli, asserting there was no malicious intent behind his actions, although he intended to discuss the matter with the player.
“If you know Gabi, you know he’s a genuinely nice guy. He probably didn’t fully comprehend the situation,” Arteta remarked. “I genuinely hope Conor is alright, and I’ll talk to Gabi to clarify things.”
This report includes contributions from ESPN’s James Olley.