Mikel Arteta says Gabriel Martinelli’s hat-trick shows ‘a lot of character’.

From being called an ‘idiot’ to scoring a hat-trick, Gabriel Martinel’s name has been making headlines over the past few days.

The Arsenal winger came under fire for trying to push injured Connor Bradley off the field in the final minutes of Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with Liverpool on Thursday, something he apologized for on social media.

But the 24-year-old’s first hat-trick for Arsenal – as he came from behind to beat Portsmouth and reach the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday – showed his “character”, according to his boss.

When Mikel Arteta was asked how Martinelli dealt with being the subject of so much discussion: “It’s part of football, so how you deal with it.”

“But he knew deep down why he did what he did.”

Arteta also praised Liverpool coach Arne Slott for his thoughtful response to the incident, when he defended the Brazilian.

Arteta added: “I thought Arne Slott spoke brilliantly after the match – talking about your opponent in the way he explained the situation and the fact that Gabi had absolutely no intention of harming any player.”

“That’s the character. Come and talk on the field, that’s the best part of it.”

Martinelli has had a mixed season, losing his starting place in the Premier League to Leandro Trossard after a decline in form and confidence.

He has started just six times for Arsenal, who are six points clear at the top of the table.

However, the winger has been a regular starter this season for Arsenal in the Champions League, scoring five goals in as many matches. After scoring a hat-trick against Portsmouth, he is now his team’s top scorer.

Arteta added: “This is why, to play in a big club, you need a big personality because it could be bad… there could be an action that you miss, and it could cost you a match.”

“And then three days later, there’s a game. So you have to raise your level and make it count.

“I love it. Gabi, in every context you put him in, he’s playing, he’s not playing. He’s doing well, not great. Today, he scored three goals.

“Tomorrow, he’ll be training at 100 miles an hour for sure. He’s not going to change that. And that’s Gabe.”