Michael Owen expressed that he is a big fan of Gabriel Martinelli after he helped Arsenal secure an important 4-1 win over managerless-Crystal Palace on Sunday at the Emirates.
The 21-year-old opened the scoring with a brilliant finish after 28 minutes, when Bukayo Saka, who netted a brace on the day, fed him a perfect ball into the box.
Former England striker Michael Owen stated that Martinelli is ‘very quick’ and it was a great way for the player to bounce back after his penalty miss against Sporting Lisbon in midweek, as he told Premier League Productions (19/03/23 at 2:50 pm).
That was goal number 13 of the Premier League season for Martinelli in what has been a remarkable campaign for the young forward.
Added to that, Mikel Arteta’s men are eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table and they have won six out of six after that defeat to Manchester City.
It was Martinelli who started off his side’s comfortable win over Palace, with Owen hailing his ‘unbelievable’ and ‘beautiful’ finish and how he can go to full speed ‘within two or three strides’.
“I think Mitchel should be showing him (Saka) inside as well,” said Owen. “It gives an easy cross really into the middle of the box.
“But that, with two touches, in almost quick succession was the one, and then he is off. He has got such pace. This is a great goal. I think that’s such a good finish. I like this lad. It’s one way to bounce back (after his penalty miss).
After FT he added: “This is an unbelievable finish. The finish was beautiful. I love how he takes two quick touches in succession. He is almost at full speed within two or three strides. He’s a very quick and explosive player.”
MARTINELLI IS AN OUTSTANDING SIGNING
The all-action forward was a fresh-faced teenager when Edu Gaspar snapped up Martinelli from the lower leagues in Brazil back in 2019.
It’s been one of the best signings Arsenal have made in recent times and everyone involved in his scouting deserves a huge pat on the back.
What’s crazier is that Martinelli is only 21 and his best days are well ahead of him.
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