Martin Keown left amazed by 22-year-old Arsenal player vs Sevilla tonight

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Martin Keown was left seriously impressed with Gabriel Martinelli in Arsenal’s Champions League clash against Sevilla tonight.

Mikel Arteta’s men had struggled to find their feet in Spain before Martinelli struck just moments before half time.

Gabriel Jesus provided some much-needed creativity for Arsenal as he produced an exceptional turn and played Martinelli through on goal.

After missing a good chance earlier in the half, the Brazilian winger took the ball around the Sevilla goalkeeper and put the ball into an empty net.

And it’s fair to say that Martin Keown was impressed with Martinelli’s first-half display Ramon Sanchez-Pijzuan Stadium.

Keown amazed by Martinelli

Speaking on TNT Sports at halftime, Keown singled out Martinelli for praise after the winger’s opener.

“Lovely,” the Arsenal legend said. “Great awareness [from Jesus]. Martinelli here I think shows the patience, he missed one didn’t he after about eight minutes.

“He certainly wasn’t going to miss that one and just look how many players he [Jesus] takes out of the game, three players have gone out to buy tickets to get back in the ground.

“Martinelli then takes his time, draws the keeper on and I think he just beautifully tucks that away. He’s like an inside forward Martinelli, isn’t he? Always on the move, with lots of pace and a lovely finish. Perfect.”

“It’s very important they have two players, not just Saka but Martinelli as well,” Keown added.

“He came on against Man City at half time and he’s coming back from an injury but again he showed really good signs today.”

Arsenal got off to a flyer in the second half as Jesus produced an exceptional finish after his assist in the first half.

The Gunners looked likely to go on and get another one as they continued to dominate the opening stages of the second period.

Yet, Sevilla hit Arsenal against the run of play as Nemanja Gudelj scored with a well-taken header to get the La Liga outfit back in the game.

Diego Alonso’s men then started to cause Arsenal real problems shortly after the goal.

But the Gunners managed to hold on to a crucial victory and take a huge step towards qualifying for the knockout stages after the defeat to RC Lens last time out.