Arsenal fans say they already have Bukayo Saka’s replacement at N5 after injury at Crystal Palace

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Arsenal closed the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool with a 5-1 win away at Crystal Palace on Saturday evening.

Gabriel Jesus followed up his midweek hat-trick with a brace at Selhurst Park, with Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice also getting on the scoresheet.

However, Arsenal’s victory came at a cost, with Gunners talisman Bukayo Saka having to go off injured midway through the first half.

Saka knew he couldn’t continue after he went down and was holding his knee as the physio came on, prompting much concern among Arsenal fans on social media.

It remains to be seen what injury Saka has suffered and how long he could be out for, but some Gunners fans feel they already have a replacement for the England star.

READ MORE: Fulham’s Emile Smith Rowe uses one word to sum up Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta

Arsenal fans back Gabriel Martinelli to replace Bukayo Saka at RW

The player tipped by fans to replace Saka at right-wing is Martinelli, who impressed when covering in the position during the game.

“Martinelli needs to stay on the right until Saka’s back,” said one fan. “He’s obviously not a tricky or flare kind of winger so he can assume the traditional winger role. Less headaches.”

Another supporter said: “Martinelli has been really good since switching to the right. He could be huge for us if Saka is out for a while.”

One fan added: “Martinelli has played the best football of the season today, as a RW. He should stay there until Saka comes back.”

Another wrote: “Martinelli might have to become a RW from now and play when Saka is rested. Go and get us a proper LW.”

One went into detail, saying: “Martinelli on the RW is a good variable in Saka absence. Firstly gets his preferred right foot for the crosses.

“Can create fluidity with Jesus exchanging positions for that added dribbling prowess > platforming him to the central zones.”

And one fan suggested that Martinelli on the right would bring the best out of Timber, saying: “Martinelli RW could suit Timber really well.”

“Sometimes Saka and Timber both want the inside (which is why White is so effective for Saka) but if Nelli wants to go on the outside mostly with Timber taking up the interior.

“Might get more creative wise from Timber.”

Martinelli media ratings v Palace

London World gave Martinelli an 8 out of 10 rating and wrote: “Stepped up after Saka was forced off in the first half.

“Had the hunger to get in front of goal to poke home his goal and deserved that.”

Likewise, The Express gave him a score of 8 out of 10, adding: “Has endured a difficult season but bagged his fifth goal of the campaign after popping up with a strike from close range.

“Delivered a good corner ahead of Jesus’ second goal and looked dangerous every time his side went forward.”

Meanwhile, Goal.com went with a 7 out of 10 for Martinelli after his efforts on the day.

They wrote: “Arguably still needs to do more in an attacking sense but grabbed an important goal to put extra gloss on the scoreline.”

Arsenal are next in action on Friday 27 December when they host Ipswich Town in a 8:15pm GMT kick-off.