‘Phenomenal’: Arteta says one of his Arsenal stars is so much better than a year ago, says he’s a ‘nightmare’ for everyone

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Mikel Arteta was full of praise for Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli, after the Gunners beat Liverpool to go top of the table this afternoon.

The Brazilian youngster got Arsenal off to the perfect start in the opening minutes as he fired the Gunners in front against the Reds. He then laid on the second for Bukayo Saka too, who bundled in just before half time to give Mikel Arteta’s side the lead.

And speaking about Martinelli to Sky (via BBC), Arteta admitted he is delighted with Martinelli, who he believes is so much better than 12 months ago.

“When you see where he is a year ago from when he played against Brentford to where he is today is phenomenal but it is his desire to train hard every day. It is a nightmare to play against him and we know we have a real threat up front,” Arteta said of Martinelli.

Martinelli has seized his chance this season as a leading man in the Arsenal XI. After spending last season getting minutes but not being guaranteed a start, the young forward is now one of the first names on Arteta’s teamsheet.

TBR’s View: Martinelli Like A New Arsenal Signing

In years to come, Arsenal will look back on the signing of Gabriel Martinelli and wonder how on earth they got him so cheap.

Martinelli has been simply outstanding and he seems to just be getting better and better under Arteta. His all-round game is coming on leaps and bounds and Arteta’s words on him here are bang on.

If Martinelli stays fit, stays in form, and keeps improving, then Arsenal have a player here who can lead them to glory many didn’t expect one bit.