“He said he’s going to improve after the Bournemouth game and he kept to his words. He had 100% tackles and dribbles rate and won 7 duels”- Arsenal star Declan Rice was quick to give his flowers to sensational Arsenal teammate who played his best game yesterday and must play against Liverpool next weekend
Arsenal returned to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
The Gunners suffered their first defeat of the season at Bournemouth last weekend after William Saliba was sent off.
They managed to redeem themselves by beating Shakhtar, but the performance was far from impressive.
Arsenal lacked the cutting edge with the decision-making in the final third and scored the solitary goal in the end.
Gabriel Martinelli’s effort hit the woodwork in the 29th minute before it ricocheted off the goalkeeper into the net.
Arsenal should have won the same by a bigger margin.
Leandro Trossard missed a penalty and Arsenal’s blushes were saved by a stunning David Raya stop in stoppage time.
Martinelli was undoubtedly the stand-out performer. Aside from creating the goal, he was exceptional with his work rate and high pressing.
The £50 million-rated star won 7 out of nine duels while completing 100% of his tackles and 100% of his dribbles.
He created five chances against Shakhtar and looked back to his best after overcoming a minor injury.
Martinelli suffered an edema in his right calf on Brazil duty, but looked in fine shape last night and almost induced an error from the goalkeeper.
He should be guaranteed his place on the left wing when the Gunners take on Liverpool in Sunday’s Premier League clash at the Emirates.
The winger has had the better of Trent Alexander-Arnold in the past. He should relish taking on the Englishman after yesterday’s showing.
