Reports suggest that a key defender for Arsenal may have sustained an injury at the end of their match against Leicester City.
Despite this concerning news, focus remains on Arsenal’s strong performance, especially from their new signing, Riccardo Calafiori, who has received considerable praise.
Gabriel Martinelli, Arsenal’s Brazilian forward, recently lauded Calafiori as a “crack” player—a term used in Italian and Spanish football to indicate exceptional talent.
Martinelli’s remarks came after Arsenal’s 4-2 victory over Leicester City, further bolstering Calafiori’s standing within the team under manager Mikel Arteta.
This win maintained Arsenal’s unbeaten start in the Premier League. The match at the Emirates Stadium was thrilling, with Arsenal initially taking a 2-0 lead. However, Leicester equalized by scoring twice in a 15-minute span. In the final moments, Arsenal regained control, scoring two more goals, including one in injury time, to secure the 4-2 result.
This outcome keeps Arsenal firmly in the title race, just one point behind league leaders Liverpool.
Calafiori, who joined Arsenal from Bologna during the summer transfer window as the club’s most expensive signing, has gradually established himself in the starting lineup, having started two consecutive Premier League games.
His increasing impact and value to the team are clear, making a strong impression on both his manager and teammates. In the Leicester match, Calafiori played a pivotal role in the win.
His significance on the field is growing as Mikel Arteta incorporates the Italian defender into his strategy. This follows Calafiori’s notable performance in the previous week’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City, where he scored, demonstrating his ability to influence important matches.
After the win against Leicester, Calafiori posted a team photo on Instagram with the caption, “Never give up, great job guys!” Martinelli responded in Italian, again calling him a “crack,” highlighting the high regard in which Calafiori is held by his teammates.
Martinelli’s acknowledgment underscores the respect Calafiori has earned from established players, despite being new to the Premier League.
Given the significant transfer fee Arsenal paid for him, expectations have been high. However, Arteta has managed his integration thoughtfully, gradually increasing his playing time to help him adapt to the pace and physicality of English football.
Calafiori’s recent performances indicate he is meeting those expectations, and if he continues to develop, he could become a vital asset for Arsenal as the season unfolds.
The win against Leicester is an important result for Arsenal, and Martinelli’s recognition of Calafiori emphasizes the defender’s increasing importance within the squad. As Arsenal builds on their strong start, Calafiori’s role is likely to grow, and his contributions could be crucial in their title challenge.
