‘Wow’… BBC pundit amazed by what 22-year-old Arsenal player did against £36m Liverpool star today

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Matthew Upson was blown away by the work of both David Raya and Gabriel Martinelli for the chance Bukayo Saka missed in the early stages against Liverpool on Sunday.

There was an electric atmosphere inside the Emirates for the clash between two of the Premier League’s best teams. And it was Arsenal who seemed to settle quickest.

Certainly, Bukayo Saka should have put Arsenal 1-0 up a few minutes before he did indeed find the back of the net. Some smart work from David Raya set Gabriel Martinelli on his way down the left-hand side.

Gabriel Martinelli praised after Bukayo Saka missed great chance for Arsenal

Martinelli did superbly to break away from Ibrahima Konate and play a beautiful cross into the path of Saka. It seemed that the Englishman would have a simple task of nodding the ball into the goal. However, he made poor contact and the chance passed the Gunners by.

Understandably, Matthew Upson told BBC Radio Five Live that Saka should have scored. But he also made sure to praise the work of Martinelli in the build-up.

“Wow, what a brilliant piece of play to watch. Fantastic from David Raya, spots the space in behind. Liverpool fully committed. And it’s a foot race from the halfway line between Konate and Martinelli. Konate does well, nearly matches him. And I think he should score there, Saka. I don’t think there’s much of an intervention from Gomez,” he said.

Gunners youngster finding some real form again

The battle between Martinelli and Trent Alexander-Arnold looked set to be a pivotal one going into the game. Alexander-Arnold has been absolutely outstanding this season. But his potential has been unlocked because there is less defending for him to now do.

Martinelli meanwhile, has not been impressive for much of this season. But the Brazilian reminded everyone of the threat he offers with that burst past the £36 million Frenchman.

There are not many who are going to put space between themselves and Konate in a race. But Martinelli managed it fairly comfortably in the early stages on Sunday.