Arsenal player ratings: Martinelli ready to take Premier League by storm as fringe star struggles to make an impact
GABRIEL MARTINELLI showed that he is ready to shine for Arsenal in the Premier League.
The Brazilian winger impressed in the 2-1 defeat to Liverpool during the Gunners’ pre-season tour of the US.
Martinelli, 23, has only just linked up with Mikel Arteta‘s side having been away at the Copa America with Brazil.
But he showed little signs of fatigue against Arne Slot‘s side.
Reiss Nelson, however, was unable to make an impact against the Reds at the Lincoln Financial Field.
SunSports’ Nick Callow has provided his ratings of the Arsenal team.
Karl Hein 6
The Estonian international showed once again he is ready to step up and be a first-team player if David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale are unavailable.
Lacks some presence, but not obviously at fault for any of the Liverpool goals.
Ben White 6
Liverpool had noticeably less joy attacking down his side of the pitch. Did not get forward as much as we are used to seeing when he is teaming up with Bukayo Saka on the right.
Nearly scored in a rare second-half raid forward.
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Jakub Kiwior 6
A rare chance for the Poland defender to play in his preferred central defender role. Looked more comfortable than he did filling in at left back last season. But he is no William Saliba!
Gabriel 6
Not really to blame but got a bit too tight to Mohamed Salah when the Egyptian striker sprinted clear to score Liverpool’s opener. Clearly better when he has William Saliba alongside him.
Oleksandr Zinchenko 6
Caught out of possession for Salah’s opener and did not have the pace to recover.
Liverpool seemed to target his side of the defence from then on.
Otherwise looked strong and fit considering the season is still two weeks away.
Thomas Partey 6
Still not fully up to pace in the stifling Philadelphia humidity but grew into the game. Will be interesting to see if he gets the nod to start alongside Declan Rice when the real action starts.
Martin Odegaard 7
Norway’s failure to qualify for the Euros looks like being to Arsenal’s benefit as their captain already looks razor sharp. Superb footwork to assist the Havertz goal
Reiss Nelson 6
Struggled to make an impact against a livelier Liverpool midfield.
Still a valuable squad man but could be one Arsenal look to move on before the season starts.
Kai Havertz 7
Did not see much of the ball in his midfield role but worked hard and tackled well.
Has returned from representing Germany in the Euros looking sharp. He timed his run and positioning to reach his goal.
Gabriel Jesus 6
Another Arsenal player on a mission to impress. Was lightning quick to twice go close to scoring early in the match. Still needs to be a sharper finisher to be Arteta’s go-to striker
Gabriel Martinelli 7
Marked his first start of the pre-season with a burst of pace and stinging long range shot that whistled overt the Liverpool bar.
As Arteta said pre-match, he has turned up post Copa America fit and ready to play.
Subs:
Leandro Trossard 6
Replaced Martinelli at half-time. Showed some neat skills but made little telling impact.
Fabio Vieira 6
On for Nelson at the start of the second half. Looked at home in the right-sided Saka role. Forced a good save from Kelleher.
Myles Lewis-Skelly 6
The teenage wonderkid came on with 20 minutes to go in place of Zinchenko. Looked perfectly capable of playing in Arteta’s preferred inverted role.
Ethan Nwaneri 6
Another Hale End hopeful set for the top of the game replaced Havertz and once again showed he can be trusted at this level.
Eddie Nketiah 6
The striker got a late run out for Jesus, but not have enough time and opportunity to make an impact
Jorginho 6
A late replacement for Partey at a time when Arsenal were chasing the game.
Josh Nichols 6
Another great experience for the young defender as he came on for Ben White at the end.
Ayden Heaven 6
Filled the big boots of Gabriel for the closing stages. Only 17 but clear why Arsenal have high hopes for him.
Subs not used: Tommy Setford, Lucas Nygaard, Alexie Rojas, Omar Rekik, Michel Rosiak, Jimi Gower, Charles, Sagoe Jr, Salah-Eddine Oulad M’Hand.
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