Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli stars on CL debut

Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli scored on his Champions League debut in the 2-1 win over Sevilla.

Gabriel Martinelli was playing in his first Champions League game against Sevilla, and he played a major role in Mikel Arteta’s side claiming a valuable three points.

The 2-1 win now moves Arsenal to the top of Group B after three games with consecutive home matches to come in the competition.

Martinelli’s debut, while great at the end of the day, could have started in a blaze of glory had he converted his early chance.

The young Brazilian was faced with a one-on-one with Sevilla keeper Orjan Nyland with less than 10 minutes played in the first half.  But the winger hit his shot straight at Nyland before the ball bounced off him and out for a goal kick.

Not to be deterred, though, the next time Martinelli was through on goal, he was assisted by a delicious pass from Gabriel Jesus, as he then rounded Nyland with ease before rolling the ball into an empty net on the stroke of halftime.

With the win, Arsenal now sits atop Group B, and while fans can be happy now, had the result been different, the Gunners would have had a serious hole to climb out of if they wanted to qualify for the knockout rounds.

But alas, through Martinelli and Jesus, Arsenal escaped with the three points as they look ahead now to winless Sheffield United at the Emirates on Saturday.