Fan footage reveals that many Arsenal players were already celebrating Gabriel Martinelli’s goal against Aston Villa before he’d even scored it.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND: Jorginho celebrates with Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal after scoring the team's third goal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Arsenal FC at Villa Park on February 18, 2023. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND: Jorginho celebrates with Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal after scoring the team’s third goal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Arsenal FC at Villa Park on February 18, 2023. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

After Emi Martinez’s injury-time own goal, Arsenal were clinging onto victory against Aston Villa on Saturday when Martinez decided to go up for his side’s final corner.

The out-swinging cross was cleared easily by William Saliba to Fabio Vieira, who sprinted up the field before finding Gabriel Martinelli with a through ball.

Having the beating of the defenders for pace, Martinelli had the simple task of running up the pitch and passing into an empty net.

Many fans noticed Martinelli celebrating the goal before he’d even scored it, but fan footage shows he wasn’t the only one.

With Martinelli still yet to put the ball in the net, Fabio Vieira, Gabriel Magalhaes, Rob Holding, and Aaron Ramsdale can all be spotted in the above clip with their arms out in celebration.

By the time the goal is scored, most of the team are halfway over to the away fans to celebrate it, whilst Gabriel and Jorginho run towards the bench.

Arsenal's Italian midfielder Jorginho (C) celebrates with teammates after his shot ends up in the net, rebounding off Aston Villa's Argentinian goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez for an own-goal during the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Arsenal at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on February 18, 2023. (Photo by GEOFF CADDICK/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Italian midfielder Jorginho (C) celebrates with teammates after his shot ends up in the net, rebounding off Aston Villa’s Argentinian goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez for an own-goal on February 18, 2023. (Photo by GEOFF CADDICK/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal’s injury-time goals were vital to keep hopes of a title challenge alive.

With Manchester City dropping points away to Nottingham Forest, the Gunners gained back two of the three points they lost to their title rivals in midweek.

Whilst Mikel Arteta’s side still have a game in hand against Everton on March 1st, they also have tricky away games against Liverpool, Manchester City, and Newcastle United later in the season.

The campaign is far from over, and it looks like there are still more twists and turns to come. But this win was certainly one moment to savour.