Declan Rice and Marquinhos seriously impressed with £6m Arsenal man against Sevilla

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Arsenal star Declan Rice was seriously impressed with teammate Gabriel Martinelli as they secured a vital 2-1 win over Sevilla in the Champions League last night.

The young Brazilian took to social media after scoring his first goal in Europe’s top competition.

After their defeat to Lens before the international break, coming away from the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium with a win was massively important.

Mikel Arteta was able to name a very strong side that included his preferred front four from last season.

After a quiet game against Chelsea, Martin Odegaard was more effective playing in behind an imperious Gabriel Jesus.

The Norwegian still wasn’t on top form, but with the two Brazilians ahead of him in such good form, ultimately it didn’t matter.

Jesus may have grabbed the headlines with a goal and an assist, but Gabriel Martinelli also had a fantastic game.

Declan Rice was particularly impressed with Martinelli as Arsenal held on in the late stages against a resurgent Sevilla side.

A win in the return leg at the Emirates in a couple of weeks will all but confirm their place in the knockout stages.

It’s the minimum Mikel Arteta will expect from his side on their return to the Champions League.

Rice impressed with Martinelli as Arsenal defeat Sevilla

Posting on Instagram after the match, Martinelli said: “Champions league debut goal and a win. From dreams to reality.”

Marquinhos loved the performance from his fellow countryman, while Rice thought he was lightning fast last night.

The England international is likely referring to the run the £6m forward made for his goal.

A fantastic piercing through ball from Jesus set Martinelli away but he still had half the length of the pitch to run.

When faced with Orjan Nyland in the Sevilla goal, he kept his composure and dribbled around him before passing the ball into the empty net.

Martinelli and Rice were two of Arsenal’s best performers against Sevilla and their long-term fitness will be key to any success the club achieves this season.

The young Brazilian was quick to praise Jesus after the match and the club will now be sweating over the hamstring issue that forced him off the pitch.

Eddie Nketiah failed to make an impact on the match when brought on in the closing stages and that may worry Mikel Arteta going forward.