Harry Diamond
Martin Keown has lavished praise on ‘absolutely outstanding’ Arsenal striker Gabriel Martinelli following the youngster’s performance in the 2-2 draw at Chelsea.
Arsenal twice came from behind to rescue a draw at Stamford Bridge despite being reduced to 10 men in the first half following David Luiz’s dismissal, goals from Martinelli and Hector Bellerin cancelling out Jorginho’s penalty and Cesar Azpilicueta late strike for Chelsea.
Martinelli scored the club’s first equaliser of the evening in impressive fashion, racing clear after an unfortunate slip from N’Golo Kante to coolly slot home his 10th goal of the season in all competitions.
The 18-year-old has made a huge impression since his summer arrival from Brazilian side Ituano, and former Gunners defender Keown believes Martinelli has already shown himself to be one of the best young players in European football since his arrival at the Emirates.
“That young man, he has the club in the palm of his hands,” Keown said on BT Sport.
🗣️ “I still don’t think they’re capable of getting the Champions League.”
🗣️ “I’ve seen enough tonight from Arsenal that maybe they can actually push towards it.”
Joe Cole and @martinkeown5 aren't agreed…can Arsenal claw back 10 points on Chelsea? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/5lTTubYQhE
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) January 21, 2020
“He can take it wherever he wants. He was the youngest player on the pitch out there for Arsenal and he showed the experienced players how it was done.
“I was here in ’99 when Kanu scored three goals and that looked dead and buried tonight when they were 1-0 down.
“He really is absolutely outstanding. He was certain he was going to put it away (his goal).
“His instinct for goal, his movement off the ball, show me another 18-year-old in Europe doing this? Manchester United had him on trial and didn’t take him… that raises questions.”
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