Gabriel Martinelli just did something ‘quality’ for the first time in 350 days for Arsenal, Eddie Nketiah did it last

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Arsenal faced another difficult challenge on the road in the Champions League on match day five.

Mikel Arteta’s side had to bounce back in Europe following Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Inter Milan last time out. 

The Gunners travelled to Lisbon on match week five of the new Champions League format, taking on Sporting CP after their 4-1 dismantling of Manchester City. 

All eyes were on Viktor Gyokeres for the spectacle however, it was another figure who opened the scoring on the night. 

Gabriel Martinelli scores overdue Champions League away goal 

Arsenal target Gyokeres was the talk of the town for his form going into the game but Gabriel Martinelli ensured he saw some of the spotlight. 

The winger found the back of the net to open the scoring after just six minutes of play courtesy of a fierce Arsenal start. 

For the first time since March 2023, Martinelli scored in consecutive games for the Gunners and that’s not the only record his goal stood for. 

By scoring against Sporting, the Brazilian ended Arsenal’s dreary 350-day streak without a European away goal.

The last time Arsenal had scored in the Champions League prior to Tuesday night was against PSV Eindhoven in December 2023.

Eddie Nketiah was the scorer that night in the Netherlands, as the Gunners played out a 1-1 draw with the Eredivisie giants. 

Since that goal, Nketiah has moved on and signed for Crystal Palace, telling of the long wait for an away goal in Europe among Arteta’s squad.

Arsenal fans applaud ‘quality’ Martinelli

Martinelli has certainly split opinion over the past few months however, there was no mixed opinion when it came to celebrating the winger’s goal in Lisbon.

“Get Martinelli closer to the box and you see his quality… it’s as simple as that,” one Arsenal fan said. 

Arsenal supporter in the spotlight Piers Morgan also commended the Brazil international’s work, dubbing the 23-year-old’s goal a “smart finish”.

The move was crafted by Jurrien Timber but it was finished cutely by Martinelli, who deserves all the praise for building on his form in front of goal.

“Brilliant pass from Timber. Tidy from Martinelli,” an Arsenal fan applauded on X, with another agreeing, “Nicely timed run and finish by Martinelli.”