Gabriel Martinelli scored a dramatic 95th-minute winner as Brazil came from behind to beat Japan and set up a World Cup last-16 tie against Norway or Ivory Coast.


FIFA World Cup 2026: Brazil Edge Japan 2-1 With 95th-Minute Winner

Arsenal's 21-year-old promising left-winger Gabriel Martinelli has signed a long-term contract extension, the club announced on Friday. The Brazilian will remain at the Emirates until 2027, signing a four-and-a-half-year contract.

Arsenal's 21-year-old promising left-winger Gabriel Martinelli has signed a long-term contract extension, the club announced on Friday. The Brazilian will remain at the Emirates until 2027, signing a four-and-a-half-year contract. "This is my club. I love everything about Arsenal. I want to stay. Yeah, I just need to get a pen and sign," said Martinelli in a video released by the club. "I was born a long way away from north London, but as soon as I got here, the supporters made me feel like one of them. It didn't take me long to realise that this place is about more than football. So thank you Gunners, for making me feel at home. I couldn't imagine being anywhere else," he added. With Arsenal making giant strides towards winning the Premier League for the first time in nearly two decades - Martinelli has been one of the vital players for manager Mikel Arteta's project. Gabi signs on ❤️ pic.twitter.com/mgMIzdt68O — Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 3, 2023 × Consequently, contract talks were underway for several months with the Brazilian and his agents. Arteta reflected on the successful conclusion of the negotiations and remarked, “We’re delighted Gabi has signed a new long-term contract. Our supporters see his quality and energy every single time he puts on the shirt and he’s the same every day in training, with his hard work and positive values." "Gabi is still very young, so we know there’s still much more to come from him and it’s great that we’ll be on this journey together. We’re now excited to continue to develop his huge talent and look forward to seeing him perform with Arsenal in the years to come.” Gabi’s got the pen. Gabi's signed the contract. Gabi’s staying.✍️ pic.twitter.com/DOTCdC9u7z — Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 3, 2023 × Martinelli has already made 111-first team appearances for the Gunners, having been at the North London club for four seasons. In the 2022-23 season so far, Martinelli has played 27 matches, finding the back of the net on seven occasions and assisting two goals. Martinelli's explosiveness on the flanks and ability to get the better of most fullbacks is one of his key attributes. Add the Brazilian flair and he is one of the most exciting prospects in the Arsenal team which is brimming with such players. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Arsenal superstar Gabriel Martinelli signs new long-term contract with the club

Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka has revealed that his Arsenal teammates representing Brazil were left worried after he jokingly made a threat to them.&nbsp;

At a pre-match conference, Xhaka told the reporters he had a conversation with his Brazilian teammates Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli before leaving for Qatar which left an impression on the South Americans.&nbsp;

"We were joking before the World Cup to come here and of course; it is always good if you have teammates opposite you, but we are professional footballers, and for 90 minutes. I told Gabby Martinelli and Gabby Jesus if you are running one against our goalkeeper, I will smash you!" said Xhaka.&nbsp;

The Arsenal player added that Jesus and Martinelli&nbsp;knew that if he hit them, he will hit them hard.&nbsp;

"It doesn't matter that we are playing in the same team. This is the World Cup. You play for your own team; you play for your own country, and you want to win. Of course, they were worried. They know me. If I smash you, it will be very, very hard."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/get-the-jab-jose-mourinho-urges-granit-xhaka-to-get-covid-19-vaccine-410649">Read more:&nbsp;'Get the jab': Jose Mourinho urges Granit Xhaka to get COVID-19 vaccine</a>

Switzerland and Brazil will square up against each other today at Stadium 974. Both will be coming on the back of victories but Xhaka asserted that his team will have to be at their best to nick the three-points.&nbsp;

"We will have to be much more careful against Brazil than we were against Cameroon. If you lose the ball against Brazil, you pay for it. They have great quality...the favourites in the tournament, but it is one game. Anything can happen."

Xhaka's resurgence

Xhaka has had a revival in fortunes in the last 12 months. After falling out of favour with the manager and the Arsenal fans, the Swiss has managed to turn around the wheel.&nbsp;

He is one of the most influential players on the pitch for the Gooners at the moment and is playing an important part in Arteta's resurgence of Arsenal.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-set-to-join-this-mls-club-co-owned-by-david-beckham-reports-538021">Read more:&nbsp;Lionel Messi set to join this MLS club co-owned by David Beckham: Reports</a>

For the national team, Xhaka was on-song in the first game where the&nbsp;Rossocrociati beat Cameroon 1-0.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka has revealed that his Arsenal teammates representing Brazil were left worried after he jokingly made a threat to them. At a pre-match conference, Xhaka told the reporters he had a conversation with his Brazilian teammates Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli before leaving for Qatar which left an impression on the South Americans.

Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka has revealed that his Arsenal teammates representing Brazil were left worried after he jokingly made a threat to them. At a pre-match conference, Xhaka told the reporters he had a conversation with his Brazilian teammates Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli before leaving for Qatar which left an impression on the South Americans. "We were joking before the World Cup to come here and of course; it is always good if you have teammates opposite you, but we are professional footballers, and for 90 minutes. I told Gabby Martinelli and Gabby Jesus if you are running one against our goalkeeper, I will smash you!" said Xhaka. The Arsenal player added that Jesus and Martinelli knew that if he hit them, he will hit them hard. "It doesn't matter that we are playing in the same team. This is the World Cup. You play for your own team; you play for your own country, and you want to win. Of course, they were worried. They know me. If I smash you, it will be very, very hard." Read more: 'Get the jab': Jose Mourinho urges Granit Xhaka to get COVID-19 vaccine Switzerland and Brazil will square up against each other today at Stadium 974. Both will be coming on the back of victories but Xhaka asserted that his team will have to be at their best to nick the three-points. "We will have to be much more careful against Brazil than we were against Cameroon. If you lose the ball against Brazil, you pay for it. They have great quality...the favourites in the tournament, but it is one game. Anything can happen." Xhaka's resurgence Xhaka has had a revival in fortunes in the last 12 months. After falling out of favour with the manager and the Arsenal fans, the Swiss has managed to turn around the wheel. He is one of the most influential players on the pitch for the Gooners at the moment and is playing an important part in Arteta's resurgence of Arsenal. Read more: Lionel Messi set to join this MLS club co-owned by David Beckham: Reports For the national team, Xhaka was on-song in the first game where the Rossocrociati beat Cameroon 1-0. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'I will smash you', Granit Xhaka reveals his threat to Arsenal teammates

Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli's double helped Arsenal ease to a dominant 4-1 win at Leeds United in the Premier League on Saturday.

In the only Premier League game to go ahead on Saturday due to a huge rise in COVID-19 cases among players, Arsenal blew beleaguered Leeds away with a blistering first-half display.

Having shipped seven goals at Manchester City in midweek, Leeds were repeatedly carved apart in the opening period, with Martinelli's brace putting Arsenal 2-0 up inside 28 minutes.

Frustrations were palpable all round Elland Road as Bukayo Saka added a third for Arsenal three minutes before the break, with the scoreline not at all flattering for the dominant London side.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/robert-lewandowski-to-karim-benzema-top-five-goal-scorers-across-club-competitions-in-2021-438000">Robert Lewandowski to Karim Benzema: Top five goal-scorers across club competitions in 2021</a>

Leeds did threaten a late comeback when Rafinha converted a penalty 15 minutes from time, but substitute Emile Smith Rowe's late goal put the game beyond the hosts.

Arsenal's third league success in a row consolidated fourth spot in the standings, while Leeds'&nbsp;second successive hammering left them down in 16th, five clear of the drop zone, but having played three more games than Burnley in 18th.

"I am very happy with the performance, the week that we had, and the way we are moving forward," Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta said.

"It is always difficult to play against Leeds. They didn’t give up on the second half. I am pleased, it is not easy to play the way we did in this atmosphere. We made a real statement."

The visitors were well on top from the start against an injury-ravaged Leeds. Home goalkeeper Illan Meslier was forced into a fine save as the hosts'&nbsp;defence still looked shell-shocked after their mauling at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.

Saka should have scored from the rebound, but Arsenal did not have to wait long for the opener as Martinelli, leading the line in place of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who was again left out for a disciplinary breach, arrowed a shot into the top corner.

The Gunners continued to dominate, with Scotland full back Kieran Tierney forcing another fine save out of Meslier, before the hosts mustered their first attack as Rafinha fired wide.

Martinelli, whose Arsenal career has been plagued by injury, made it two after brilliantly latching onto Granit Xhaka`s through pass and lofting the ball over Meslier.

Saka's goal had an element of fortune about it as a deflection took it past Meslier whose performance ensured it was only three at the break.

Arsenal's 11 shots on target in the first half is the most in the opening 45 minutes by any side in a single Premier League match since 2003-04, when Opta started collecting such stats.

Leeds improved in the second half and deservedly got a lifeline when Ben White fouled Joe Gelhardt in the penalty area and Rafinha hammered in the spot-kick.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-aston-villas-game-against-burnley-postponed-due-to-more-covid-19-cases-437974">Premier League: Aston Villa's game against Burnley postponed due to more COVID-19 cases</a>

Without injured striker Patrick Bamford, however, Leeds lacked the firepower to complete the turnaround and Smith Rowe`s calm finish ended their faint hopes.

It was the first time Leeds have lost three successive league games under manager Marcelo Bielsa.

"There were more chances generated than the goals that they scored," Bielsa said. "When we lost the ball in our own half, this increased the amount of chances they (Arsenal) could create.

"Always the support like the team received today is inspiring to us. It is not easy when a team has conceded 14 goals in three games. If the fans were not so supportive of me, I could understand it."

Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli's double helped Arsenal ease to a dominant 4-1 win at Leeds United in the Premier League on Saturday. In the only Premier League game to go ahead on Saturday due to a huge rise in COVID-19 cases among players, Arsenal blew beleaguered Leeds away with a blistering first-half display.

Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli's double helped Arsenal ease to a dominant 4-1 win at Leeds United in the Premier League on Saturday. In the only Premier League game to go ahead on Saturday due to a huge rise in COVID-19 cases among players, Arsenal blew beleaguered Leeds away with a blistering first-half display. Having shipped seven goals at Manchester City in midweek, Leeds were repeatedly carved apart in the opening period, with Martinelli's brace putting Arsenal 2-0 up inside 28 minutes. Frustrations were palpable all round Elland Road as Bukayo Saka added a third for Arsenal three minutes before the break, with the scoreline not at all flattering for the dominant London side. ALSO READ: Robert Lewandowski to Karim Benzema: Top five goal-scorers across club competitions in 2021 Leeds did threaten a late comeback when Rafinha converted a penalty 15 minutes from time, but substitute Emile Smith Rowe's late goal put the game beyond the hosts. Arsenal's third league success in a row consolidated fourth spot in the standings, while Leeds' second successive hammering left them down in 16th, five clear of the drop zone, but having played three more games than Burnley in 18th. "I am very happy with the performance, the week that we had, and the way we are moving forward," Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta said. "It is always difficult to play against Leeds. They didn’t give up on the second half. I am pleased, it is not easy to play the way we did in this atmosphere. We made a real statement." The visitors were well on top from the start against an injury-ravaged Leeds. Home goalkeeper Illan Meslier was forced into a fine save as the hosts' defence still looked shell-shocked after their mauling at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday. Saka should have scored from the rebound, but Arsenal did not have to wait long for the opener as Martinelli, leading the line in place of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who was again left out for a disciplinary breach, arrowed a shot into the top corner. The Gunners continued to dominate, with Scotland full back Kieran Tierney forcing another fine save out of Meslier, before the hosts mustered their first attack as Rafinha fired wide. Martinelli, whose Arsenal career has been plagued by injury, made it two after brilliantly latching onto Granit Xhaka`s through pass and lofting the ball over Meslier. Saka's goal had an element of fortune about it as a deflection took it past Meslier whose performance ensured it was only three at the break. Arsenal's 11 shots on target in the first half is the most in the opening 45 minutes by any side in a single Premier League match since 2003-04, when Opta started collecting such stats. Leeds improved in the second half and deservedly got a lifeline when Ben White fouled Joe Gelhardt in the penalty area and Rafinha hammered in the spot-kick. ALSO READ: Premier League: Aston Villa's game against Burnley postponed due to more COVID-19 cases Without injured striker Patrick Bamford, however, Leeds lacked the firepower to complete the turnaround and Smith Rowe`s calm finish ended their faint hopes. It was the first time Leeds have lost three successive league games under manager Marcelo Bielsa. "There were more chances generated than the goals that they scored," Bielsa said. "When we lost the ball in our own half, this increased the amount of chances they (Arsenal) could create. "Always the support like the team received today is inspiring to us. It is not easy when a team has conceded 14 goals in three games. If the fans were not so supportive of me, I could understand it."

Premier League: Gabriel Martinelli strikes twice as Arsenal hammer Leeds United 4-1

Arsenal returned to winning ways and deepened Newcastle United`s relegation worries as goals by Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli sealed a comfortable 2-0 Premier League win on Saturday.

Bottom club Newcastle had new manager Eddie Howe on the touchline for the first time, but it made no difference as they were well beaten and remain without a league win after 13 games.

Arsenal, whose 10-match unbeaten run in all competitions came to a juddering halt at Liverpool last week, dominated the opening half with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang missing a sitter.

But their patience was rewarded as Saka finished superbly in the 56th minute before substitute Martinelli volleyed the second with his first touch.

Newcastle`s Jonjo Shelvey was denied by the woodwork in the first half but once they went behind, the 17th defeat in 18 league games against Arsenal looked inevitable.

Arsenal stayed fifth in the table, level on points with fourth-placed West Ham United while Newcastle, who have six points and are five behind 17th-placed Leeds United, are the sixth different team to fail to win any of their opening 13 Premier League games.

Of those, only Derby County in 2000-01 survived relegation. Howe, who had to watch last week`s 3-3 draw against Brentford from a hotel room due to a positive COVID-19 test, took some encouragement from his team`s display.

"I thought it was a good performance, especially the start. We were good for the first half an hour," he said.

"The pleasing thing today is how we started and finished the game. We created chances."

On a raw afternoon in north London, there was little to warm the hearts of Newcastle`s travelling Toon Army. 
Their side were resolute and had Aaron Ramsdale not tipped Shelvey`s curling effort against the crossbar things might have been different.

Arsenal were over-deliberate but still carved out chances with Saka just failing to score on the stretch from Nuno Tavares`s superb diagonal pass.

Newcastle keeper Martin Dubravka, recalled for his first appearance of the season in place of Karl Darlow after recovering from injury, produced an acrobatic save to keep out Martin Odegaard`s free kick.

As halftime approached, Dubravka saved Emile Smith Rowe`s header and as the ball fell for Aubameyang he contrived to hit the post with the goal gaping.

When Arsenal finally cracked Newcastle`s defence it was no surprise Saka and Smith Rowe were involved. The latter combined well with Tavares who slipped a pass in for Saka to fire left-footed past Dubravka from a narrow angle.

Newcastle claimed a penalty when Callum Wilson chased Shelvey`s long pass forward but was knocked off balance by the covering Gabriel and within a minute they were two down.

Martinelli, who had just replaced the injured Saka, was picked out by a flighted pass from Takehiro Tomiyasu and as Dubravka came out the Brazilian planted a volley into the net.

Newcastle now face back-to-back home games against fellow strugglers Norwich City and Burnley.

"We just have to look at the first one," Howe said. "Momentum in football is so important. We need to get that win as quickly as we can."

Arsenal returned to winning ways and deepened Newcastle United`s relegation worries as goals by Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli sealed a comfortable 2-0 Premier League win on Saturday.

Arsenal returned to winning ways and deepened Newcastle United`s relegation worries as goals by Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli sealed a comfortable 2-0 Premier League win on Saturday. Bottom club Newcastle had new manager Eddie Howe on the touchline for the first time, but it made no difference as they were well beaten and remain without a league win after 13 games. Arsenal, whose 10-match unbeaten run in all competitions came to a juddering halt at Liverpool last week, dominated the opening half with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang missing a sitter. But their patience was rewarded as Saka finished superbly in the 56th minute before substitute Martinelli volleyed the second with his first touch. Newcastle`s Jonjo Shelvey was denied by the woodwork in the first half but once they went behind, the 17th defeat in 18 league games against Arsenal looked inevitable. Arsenal stayed fifth in the table, level on points with fourth-placed West Ham United while Newcastle, who have six points and are five behind 17th-placed Leeds United, are the sixth different team to fail to win any of their opening 13 Premier League games. Of those, only Derby County in 2000-01 survived relegation. Howe, who had to watch last week`s 3-3 draw against Brentford from a hotel room due to a positive COVID-19 test, took some encouragement from his team`s display. "I thought it was a good performance, especially the start. We were good for the first half an hour," he said. "The pleasing thing today is how we started and finished the game. We created chances." On a raw afternoon in north London, there was little to warm the hearts of Newcastle`s travelling Toon Army. Their side were resolute and had Aaron Ramsdale not tipped Shelvey`s curling effort against the crossbar things might have been different. Arsenal were over-deliberate but still carved out chances with Saka just failing to score on the stretch from Nuno Tavares`s superb diagonal pass. Newcastle keeper Martin Dubravka, recalled for his first appearance of the season in place of Karl Darlow after recovering from injury, produced an acrobatic save to keep out Martin Odegaard`s free kick. As halftime approached, Dubravka saved Emile Smith Rowe`s header and as the ball fell for Aubameyang he contrived to hit the post with the goal gaping. When Arsenal finally cracked Newcastle`s defence it was no surprise Saka and Smith Rowe were involved. The latter combined well with Tavares who slipped a pass in for Saka to fire left-footed past Dubravka from a narrow angle. Newcastle claimed a penalty when Callum Wilson chased Shelvey`s long pass forward but was knocked off balance by the covering Gabriel and within a minute they were two down. Martinelli, who had just replaced the injured Saka, was picked out by a flighted pass from Takehiro Tomiyasu and as Dubravka came out the Brazilian planted a volley into the net. Newcastle now face back-to-back home games against fellow strugglers Norwich City and Burnley. "We just have to look at the first one," Howe said. "Momentum in football is so important. We need to get that win as quickly as we can."

Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli score as Arsenal beat Newcastle 2-0 in Premier League