Reports indicate that a vital defender for Arsenal may have picked up an injury at the end of their match against Leicester City.
Despite this worrying development, attention remains on Arsenal’s impressive performance, particularly that of their new acquisition, Riccardo Calafiori, who has garnered significant acclaim.
Gabriel Martinelli, the Brazilian forward for Arsenal, recently praised Calafiori, calling him a “crack” player—a term often used in Italian and Spanish football to denote exceptional talent.
Martinelli’s compliment followed Arsenal’s 4-2 win over Leicester City, further enhancing Calafiori’s reputation within the team under manager Mikel Arteta.
This victory extended Arsenal’s unbeaten start in the Premier League. The match at the Emirates Stadium was action-packed, with Arsenal initially leading 2-0. However, Leicester fought back, scoring twice in 15 minutes to equalize. Despite this brief setback, Arsenal regained control in the closing moments, adding two more goals, including one in injury time, to clinch the 4-2 win.
This result keeps Arsenal firmly in the title race, trailing league leaders Liverpool by just one point.
Calafiori, who joined Arsenal from Bologna during the summer transfer window, is the club’s most expensive signing. He has gradually secured a spot in the starting lineup, having started two consecutive Premier League matches.
His growing influence and value to the team are becoming evident, making a strong impression on both his manager and teammates. In the match against Leicester, Calafiori played a crucial role in the victory.
His presence on the pitch is increasingly significant as Mikel Arteta integrates the Italian defender into his system. This performance follows Calafiori’s notable contribution in the previous week’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City, where he scored, showcasing his ability to impact high-stakes matches.
Following the win over Leicester, Calafiori shared a team photo on Instagram with the caption, “Never give up, great job guys!” Martinelli replied in Italian, again referring to him as a “crack,” signifying high praise for Calafiori’s skills and contributions.
Martinelli’s acknowledgment highlights the respect Calafiori has earned from established teammates, despite being new to the Premier League.
Given the substantial fee Arsenal paid for Calafiori, expectations have been high. However, Arteta has managed his integration carefully, gradually increasing his playing time to help him adjust to the pace and physicality of English football.
Calafiori’s recent performances suggest he is meeting those expectations, and if he continues to develop, he could become a key asset for Arsenal as the season progresses.
The win against Leicester is a crucial result for Arsenal, and Martinelli’s recognition of Calafiori emphasizes the defender’s growing importance within the team. As Arsenal builds on their strong start to the season, Calafiori’s role is likely to expand, and his contributions could be vital in their title challenge.