Arsenal given one timely boost ahead of Liverpool amid injury crisis

“You noticed that against Bournemouth, you could tell that was different. He had another gear, he added another level of threat, he started the game really well and he had a great performance today.”

With Arsenal sweating on the fitness of Bukayo Saka on the other flank ahead of Sunday’s game against Liverpool, the form of Martinelli is crucial.

He may have to carry the pressure of being their biggest weapon out wide, with both Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling failing to catch the eye against Shakhtar.

Martinelli gives Arsenal a directness and drive they otherwise lack, and that will be even more important against Liverpool.

The Gunners have struggled to dominate games like that usually do without Martin Odegaard in midfield and so hitting Liverpool on the counter with pace may prove to be their best solution.

Martinelli has an impressive record against Liverpool, scoring three times in his last four Premier League games against them.

He has routinely had joy against Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, exposing his defensive frailties.

Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Kloop frequently hailed Martinelli after Liverpool encounters and Arsenal will hope Arne Slot is doing the same after Sunday.

Martinelli had a tough last season, scoring just six Premier League goals, but the year before he was Arsenal’s top scorer with 15.

At that time, Martinelli was keeping pace with Saka as the two developed. But more recently he has been left behind.

Saka has taken his game to another level and the challenge for Martinelli is to deliver the same from the other flank.