‘Absolutely ridiculous’… Martin Keown hails £200k-a-week Arsenal star in win over Sevilla

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Arsenal legend Martin Keown praised Gunners star Gabriel Martinelli following the 2-0 win over Sevilla in the Champions League.

The Arsenal forward provided an assist as Mikel Arteta’s charges edged closer to qualification to the knockout stages of the competition.

Martinelli was a constant thorn in the side of opposition right-back Juanlu Sanchez, who he got the better of time and time again.

As per Whoscored, the 22-year-old completed nine dribbles and weighed in with 12 crosses, as well as making two key passes.

Squawka noted how Martinelli dribbled past Juanlu eight times.

No defender has been dribbled past more times in a Champions League game in the last eight seasons more than Juanlu was on the night.

Keown, speaking on TNT Sports, loved what he saw from the Brazilian.

“Martinelli was absolutely ridiculous,” he said at full-time. “He had the full-back on toast!”

Arsenal have struck gold by signing Martinelli for bargain fee

Martinelli went on to assist Saka for Arsenal’s second goal, the Brazilian threading the ball through for his teammate to cut inside, beat his marker and curl home.

That helped the Gunners clinch victory after Leandro Trossard opened the scoring in the 29th minute.

Declan Rice won the ball back in midfield and it was worked to Jorginho, who delivered an outstanding through-ball for Bukayo Saka into the box.

With the Sevilla defence split wide open from the Brazilian’s outstanding pass, Saka coolly squared for Trossard to slot home from close range.

A great display from Arsenal, and Martinelli was one of many who shone. On his day, he is simply unplayable.

It’s baffling to think that the £200,000-a-week star (Salarysport) cost the Gunners a mere £6million.

And at such a young age, it’s exciting to think how much better he can become in the next five or six years.