Alan Smith hailed Arsenal trio Gabriel Martinelli, Emile Smith-Rowe and Alexandre Lacazette on Sky Sports on Tuesday night for their impressive displays during their thrashing of Man City.
Both Martinelli and Lacazette combined to score Arsenal’s equalising goal during their League Cup exit, whilst academy product, Smith-Rowe, came off the bench in the second half.
Once again, there wasn’t much to cheer about if you are an Arsenal supporter, as losing has become a habit for them this season.
But Smith shed some positive light on last night’s defeat, including a certain Martinelli, who looked a real threat before he left the field with an injury.
“There are one or two bright spots to take out of it and to take forward,” said Smith. “Martinelli’s return as long as it’s not a serious injury, which doesn’t look like being. That gives Arteta something different to go with.
“Emile Smith-Rowe, he’s not been on long, but the touches he has had have been really promising.
“Then Lacazette. He got himself a goal, whether that’s going to enable him to get a few more, we will wait and see. But he has been a spark.”
Martinelli is fine to play for Arsenal against Chelsea at the weekend and their fans will be hoping he can be that spark they have been looking for in the Premier League.
A lot of Arsenal fans will remember his solo goal against Chelsea last season and they will be hoping he can recreate a moment like that once more.
If Martinelli is unable to put the much-needed points on the board for the under-fire Mikel Arteta then that exit door will only get closer and closer.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
