Gabriel Martinelli believes £30m Arsenal star has now become one of the best players in the world

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Gabriel Martinelli was certainly the most lively of Arsenal’s forwards during their 1-0 win against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday evening.

Martinelli was a constant threat on the left with his pace and energy, providing something of a throwback performance from Arsenal.

It’s been a long while since the N5 faithful have seen the Brazilian at his best, but he’s certainly beginning to find those sorts of levels again.

Gabriel Jesus, who played on the opposite flank, didn’t quite have the end product of his compatriot, but he was working equally as hard to make something happen.

It remains to be seen if Jesus did enough to earn a start against Liverpool on Sunday, when Arsenal are still likely to be without Martin Odegaard.

Gabriel Martinelli hails David Raya after Shakhtar Donetsk win

Speaking to Amazon Prime Sport at full-time, Martinelli was evidently chuffed to once again be playing an integral role.

But it wasn’t just the winger who secured the three points for Arsenal – David Raya also produced a superb save late in the game.

READ MORE: Arsenal teenager just did something ‘incredible’ which fans may have missed vs Shakhtar Donetsk

And when asked about his goalkeeper’s big moment, Martinelli admitted that he now ranks Raya among the best stoppers in the world.

Martinelli was asked: “Has it been underlined tonight [that] you have one of the best goalkeepers in the world?”

He responded: “Yeah of course – we are lucky to have him here and just thank you David, for that save and yeah, really happy with him as well.”

Of course, Arsenal may need to lean on Raya’s expertise when Liverpool arrive in north London on Sunday.

Oleksandr Zinchenko might have to face Mohamed Salah once again

As well as possibly missing Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka in attack, the Gunners might be without Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber in defence, too.

Calafiori picked up a knee injury against Shakhtar, and it remains to be seen how long he’ll be out for.

Timber remains a doubt having missed out just before the international break and not featured since.

Therefore, Arteta may need to choose between Oleksandr Zinchenko and Myles Lewis-Skelly to play against Mohamed Salah at the Emirates Stadium.

Zinchenko has struggled against Salah in the past, however it still seems unlikely that the Arsenal manager will opt for 18-year-old Lewis-Skelly to start.