Arsenal: 5 players who exceeded expectations in 2019/20

Arsenal, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli (Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli (Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Gabriel Martinelli
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 21: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal scores his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC at Stamford Bridge on January 21, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

2. Gabriel Martinelli

When you signed an 18-year-old from the fourth tier of Brazilian football for a pittance in the modern market, it is fair to assume that the expectations for their performances in the most competitive league in the world are somewhat subdued. Yet, from the moment he stepped on the pitch in preseason, Gabriel Martinelli has proven that those preconceptions do not belong to him.

The Brazilian has been utterly superb. In all competitions, he has played in 1,463 minutes of action. He has scored 10 goals and has three assists. He won matches against Standard Liege and Vitoria SC, and West Ham, snatched a draw against Chelsea with a 67-yard run and finish, and produced a magical performance in the 5-5 EFL Cup draw with Liverpool that led Jurgen Klopp to say that he is one of the best young talents in the world.

Martinelli has thrust himself onto the world stage and flourished. And when he entered the season, most would have been happy with a few fleeting moments of glistening ability here and there. He has ripped up the rule book for young players coming to new teams, and it has been terrific to watch.