Unai Emery has praised Gabriel Martinelli after the 18 year old marked his home debut for the club with two goals.
The Brazilian opened and closed the Arsenal scoring in a 5-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup, a real impact for a young player who hasn’t played much football as a centre forward.
He headed home Calum Chambers cross in the first half, and combined again with the Englishman to fire into the top corner in second half injury time.
Speaking afterwards, the Arsenal boss was impressed with what he saw.
“Martinelli is a very young player, but he came here and we were waiting and watching him, how he could improve with us and really, really in the pre-season he played very well,” said Emery.
“He was working in each training with a big spirit and with a big performance and I spoke with him to have some passion for when he gets his opportunity to play, to do like he was doing in the training and the matches in the pre-season.
“Tonight he did that. Really, he deserved it because he is very humble, a humble player and he fights, he is hungry to have that opportunity to help us and really it was perfect, his work tonight.”
No doubt he’ll have more chances in the next round of the Carabao Cup, and perhaps tonight has illustrated to Emery that Martinelli is an option at centre-forward so we don’t have to risk Aubameyang in the Europa League.
I would have him higher up the pecking order than Reiss.
I thought I am the only one who’s yet to be fully convinced by Reiss Nelson. He’s a good player no doubt but I don’t just think he looks as ready as some commentators made him look at the beginning of the season.
Martinelli looks the real deal already.
Totally agree, Nelson has great potential, but he is not ready to break into the first team yet. His physical side of his game needs to improve. He needs a full loan season with a top 6 championship side playing every week.
I think I’d just like to see a little more assertiveness and hunger for the ball both in possession and defense. The tools are there.
For Nelson, that is..
Controversial but deserved based on his performance yesterday which was superb. Think we also need to help Reiss develop better (not at the expense of the team) but give him a chance to make his mistakes and become mature.
I get the sense he’s pressing a bit. He seems so desperate to stamp his arrival with a goal that I think it’s hindered him from just playing. I’d be fine with him getting the odd game this season. I trust if his form improves that Emery will reward him. Just about the only way Emery is reliable; rewarding good performances from youngsters.
Reiss looks so predictable, plays textbook soccer, is less aggressive, lacks adventure and is physically weak. He seems to stick to coach’s script. It will take him many years to look competitive. He needs a loan spell , some tattoos and a personality. He is too soft, almost like a chess player.
Last night was really fun. Can’t quite believe it was 15 years ago but it reminds me of the 04/05 Carling Cup team.
Feel good factor: 9/10………smith Rowe the only negative.
This kid’s ice cool! Love ‘im
Really nice movement off the ball too, along with his classy brasilian flair on the ball. At first viewing I thought that 2nd goal went in directly as a perfect curler and I gave quite a loud “ooooof!!!!”…nearly woke the kid. The deflection definitely helped, but still a nice take. And a great game from him. Still for me Willock was MOTM. He was outstanding and literally everywhere. His recovery speed is incredible and his ability to turn and drive past players is going to lead to A LOT of goals for Arsenal in the future. 9/10 for Willock (8.5/10… Read more »
Hey even if Joe becomes a star for us and for England I don’t think we can say he is as good as Diaby. He could become a huge legend for us and still not touch Diaby…Just saying.
Diaby was brilliant on his day, but those days were few and far between due to injury. He’s hardly a legend or anything – more a huge talent that broke down too often and never realised his potential. But Willock’s style is so similar to Diaby, he has that glide, that ability to turn past guys and speed and stamina to get back and help cover the defense. Imma huge fan! IMO it’s definitely possible he not only reaches what Diaby could do but also exceeds him and has a much better career. Big fan here.
100%. Should be starting every game. IMO the most talented (technically, psychologically and physically) player we have at the club.
My favourite: http://www.bigspirits.com
I was worried that we were very light up front without Eddie, but it’s good to see Martinelli stepping up. Let’s give him some minutes in the Europa league and let him flourish.
Deserved more playing time
Pele 2.0
For the look of it I think also he is a very nice guy and a team player.
The way he interact with other players there is a sense of belonging.
Like last weekend third goal he ran with joy to Auba like his best buddy. I felt the Love.
He looks something special. Hope ESR is okay.
We have a real gem here
he reminds me a bit of bobby firmino in some aspects. smart runs, great awareness in small spaces and a no bullshit, heads down approach.
Can score a header, seems to have a good shot in him and presses as well 🙂
Nice one Gabriel, delighted! – keep up the good work!
Any news on the Smith Rowe injury?
Very excited now about Martinelli now – we saw flashes in pre-season but last night was a bit ‘Holy F*ck’. Can’t wait to see him develop over the coming months.
I think the bigger picture is arsenal producing young players who can be sold at competitive rates to buy better title-winning players. But the future looks solid with Leno,Tierney, hector,saliba, holding,Lucas, pepe,willock
Play him in Europa