Mikel Arteta lauds ‘outstanding’ Gabriel Martinelli after Liverpool win

Mikel Arteta lauded the “outstanding” Gabriel Martinelli after he produced a coming-of-age display in Arsenal’s statement 3-2 victory over Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.

The Gunners were twice pegged back by Jurgen Klopp’s side at the Emirates before Bukayo Saka converted a penalty with 15 minutes remaining to ensure the hosts secured a deserved but rare triumph over Liverpool.

Martinelli, who was once again praised by Klopp in the build-up to the contest, opened the scoring with a cool finish within the first minute before embarking on, arguably, his most impressive performance in an Arsenal shirt.

The relentless Brazilian terrorised Liverpool’s right-hand side throughout the contest and it was his brilliant work in transition that meant the Gunners went into half-time with the lead. It was a performance that was well worthy of immense praise, and his manager was quick to dish it out post-match.

Mikel Arteta lauds ‘outstanding’ Gabriel Martinelli after Liverpool win

Arsenal’s #11 has enjoyed an excellent start to the 2022/23 campaign and is emerging as a key cog in Arteta’s table-toppers. The 21-year-old continued his streak of starting every Premier League game this season on Sunday as he took his goal contributions tally up to six in the league.

After the game, a beaming Arteta spoke about Martinelli’s display: “He’s a great player, I think today he had an outstanding performance against a top defender, against a top team and he made a difference in the game as well as the other players and that’s the next level to step up in these games and actually make things happen to win it.”

The Brazilian’s performance was one of mature brilliance with many supporters clamouring for the young winger to pen a contract extension with the club. Martinelli’s current deal is set to expire in 2024, but there’s reportedly an option in the contract to extend by another two years.

Arteta, meanwhile, doesn’t seem to be too concerned with the 21-year-old’s contract and he was coy to discuss the situation: “We don’t get dragged out about a performance, Gabi doesn’t have to show me whether he plays well or not today. What he deserves is clear, his hunger, his determination, his love for this game and you don’t know where he is going to reach, he’s always asking and willing for more.”