Arsenal produced a fine performance to beat Sevilla in the Champions League last night, and Gabriel Martinelli was exceptional.
The winger was electric throughout the game, with Arsenal fans wowed by his speed and creativity, which helped tear the Sevilla backline to shreds.
Arsenal were dominant in their victory, with Martinelli providing a delightful assist to Bukayo Saka for the second goal, and the Brazilian was voted the player of the match following the game.
His performance was so good, that he helped break a Champions League record dating back eight years.
Gabriel Martinelli helps break Champions League record
Squawka have now revealed that Sevilla right-back Juanlu Sanchez, who came up against Martinelli on his side, was dribbled past eight times, more than any other defender in any Champions League game in the last eight years.
Martinelli completed nine dribbles throughout the game, and caused Sanchez nightmares, getting in behind the right-back on several occasions and using his skill and trickery to constantly leave him helpless.
The 22-year-old was phenomenal throughout, and Sevilla manager Diego Alonso may have regrets about picking such an inexperienced defender ahead of Jesus Navas, although the way Martinelli played, any right-back in Europe would have struggled.
Martinelli’s Arsenal form
Martinelli has had some injury frustration this season, but seems to be back to full fitness, and has been terrific in most of his performances in this campaign.
While not yet fully recovered, his second-half introduction helped Arsenal beat Manchester City, and he was also sensational in the away leg against Sevilla in what was his Champions League debut.
Leandro Trossard started as a central striker in the absence of Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah, and Martinelli seemed to thrive with the Belgian alongside him, and if these two continue to line up together, then Arsenal’s attack may begin to click.
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