05 February 2024 , 17:23
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Michael Owen identified Gabriel Martinelli as Arsenal's "most dangerous" player during the Gunners' 3-1 home victory over title rivals Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.
Mikel Arteta's men welcomed Jurgen Klopp's Reds to the Emirates knowing that anything less than a win would have all but quashed any hopes of winning the title this term. An early strike from Bukayo Saka sent the Gunners on their way, but Liverpool were back on level terms just before half-time via a Gabriel Magalhaes own goal.
However, Martinelli capitalised on some woeful goalkeeping from Alisson Becker to restore Arsenal's lead mid-way through the second-half. Leandro Trossard bagged a third for the Gunners deep into second-half stoppage time to put the result beyond any doubt and send the Emirates into absolute pandemonium.
Martinelli was a constant thorn in the side of Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold and the rest of the Reds' backline. He could have had an assist early on had Saka made better contact from what was a sensational run and cross from the Brazil international.
Owen heaped praise on Martinelli after the game, but conceded he was surprised by Arteta's decision to hook the winger with a significant chunk of the game still to play.
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"He probably deserved a goal as well, didn’t he," Owen explained. "I thought he was their most dangerous player. I was really surprised as well to see him come off."
Martinelli's substitution turned out to be an inspired decision, with his replacement scoring Arsenal's third. With that being said, it still served as quite the shock at the time, given it was undoubtedly the 22-year-old's best performance of the season.
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Gabriel Martinelli came in for praise after Arsenal's win over LiverpoolIt has been a mixed campaign for Martinelli, given he has not come close to the kind of goalscoring form he enjoyed last term. However, he has popped up for the Gunners in some of the biggest moments this term - most notably against title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City.
During his post-match media duties, Arteta singled Martinelli out for praise for his display against the Reds.
The Arsenal boss told reporters: "I think he looks again really confident, really sharp, he was a real threat today not only for the goal that he scored and how intuitive and cheeky and streetwise he was to do what he did, but as well Leo [Trossard]."