Standout players from Arsenal's 3-0 win vs. Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League

  • Declan Rice ran midfield during Arsenal's 3-0 win vs. Dinamo Zagreb.
  • Kai Havertz played like a true Champions League frontman.
  • Gabriel Martinelli was always direct on the left flank.
Arsenal FC v GNK Dinamo - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD7
Arsenal FC v GNK Dinamo - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 | Catherine Ivill - AMA/GettyImages
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3. Gabriel Martinelli

Gabriel Martinelli
Gabriel Martinelli is producing again. | Marc Atkins/GettyImages

Martinelli is well on his way back to his best form. It's a recovery inspired by taking a direct route to goal and making quick decisions in the final third.

Both of those things helped create Arsenal's opening goal. He burst past players on the left and swiftly teased the ball in toward Havertz, who soon teed up Rice to score.

More Martinelli running on the wing finally yielded a much-needed second goal for the Gunners. This time, he turned infield once he reached the edge of the box, looked up, and lofted a clipped pass toward Havertz near the back post.

It was decisive and precise stuff from the winger, just what any striker needs. Havertz didn't waste the delivery and took his chance.

In the process, Havertz ensured another positive contribution from Martinelli, who also netted against Villa. A growing list of such contributions is proof one of Arsenal's most talented players is taking the initiative to pick up the slack during the ongoing and punishing absence of attacking talisman Bukayo Saka.

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