Alas, a win in Europe’s premier club competition will at least brighten the mood for the time being. Leandro Trossard, who began the affair up top in Eddie Nketiah’s injury-forced absence, latched onto the end of Bukayo Saka’s low-driven cross in the first half after the Englishman was unleashed by Jorginho’s inch-perfect, line-breaking pass.
Bukayo Saka
Provider-turned-goalscorer Saka then notched a 64th minute goal as his flank partner Martinelli provided him with an inviting ball to run on to. Composed as you like, the right-winger doubled the host’s lead with a clever turn and emphatic finish past the hapless Marko Dimitrovic. Of course, on the back of their breathtaking display, many names are being floated about as important figures on the Champions League night, though not many enjoyed the memorable occasion on their stomping ground as much as Martinelli did.
Champions League Group B - Current Standings
Position
Club
Pld
W
D
L
+/-
GD
Pts
1.
Arsenal
4
3
0
1
9/3
+6
9
2.
PSV Eindhoven
4
1
2
1
4/7
-3
5
3.
Lens
4
1
2
1
4/4
0
5
4.
Sevilla
4
0
2
2Martinelli, thanks to his mazy dribbling, could be a key part in Arteta’s attempts to knock Pep Guardiola’s imperious Manchester City off their perch as the dominant side in England’s topflight. Alongside that objective is faring in the Champions League, a competition in which Arsenal are looking to ‘make their mark’ upon their long-awaited return. Having never won Europe’s most prestigious competition in their storied history, they will have their chance to book a spot in this season’s knock-out stages when they face RC Lens, a team they lost 2-1 to in early October. A win would not only secure passage into the next round, but it would be done with an extra game in the bag.
Watch: A compilation of Gabriel Martinelli’s stunning performance vs Sevilla
Martinelli jokes that Saka has to buy him dinner
Post-match, during his media duties with the club, Martinelli explained how his dribbling expertise allowed him to flourish against Sevilla, suggesting he enjoys receiving the ball quickly and directing runs towards back-tracking defenders. Read what he had to say below (via Arsenal's official website).
“I think we did well today, and we deserved the win. Every game I want the ball as quickly as possible to have the advantage to go and take the full back on one-on-one. This is what I like to do, and I think the team knows that. Me and B [Bukayo Saka] are good at that, and today it’s what you want. If you go one, two or three times and you beat your opponent, you get more confidence and that’s what happened today,” the dazzling Brazilian said post-match.
Martinelli’s efforts – as mentioned – finally paid dividends in the second half as his through ball set up Saka, who duly slotted Arsenal’s second of the night beyond Dimitrovic with ease. As such, the Brazilian joked by saying that Saka now owes him dinner.
Martinelli Saka
“I told him that he’s going to have to pay me for dinner!” he said. “I’m so happy with the win and for his goal as well. It’s so good to play here at home with our supporters, and we just try to do our best on the pitch to show them our qualities and win for them.”
On a sour note, Saka’s second-half injury would’ve struck fears into those of an Arsenal persuasion, though Arteta presented a carefree figure as the 22-year-old made a premature exit. An on-looking Gareth Southgate, however, may not have been as calm given England’s upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia on the 17 and 20 November, respectively. Much to the delight of the England national team custodian, however, Arteta revealed after the match that Saka should be fit and ready to play in England’s upcoming fixtures (via The Independent).
“It was just a kick, and I was told by the physios he wasn’t happy to continue. I want to assume he will be OK."
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