Arsenal fans are all saying the same thing about Gabriel Martinelli after win over Dinamo Zagreb

Yesterday at 05:05 PM

Arsenal are on the verge of qualifying for the last 16 of the Champions League after beating Dinamo Zagreb 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.

The Gunners opened the scoring against the Croatian champions after just two minutes thanks to a fierce Declan Rice volley.

Gabriel Martinelli crossed for Kai Havertz to cushion the ball into the path of Rice, who emphatically fired home.

Arsenal dominated proceedings but couldn’t breathe a sigh of relief until the 66th minute when Havertz doubled their lead.

The impressive Martinelli whipped in a superb in-swinging cross from the left which Havertz duly nodded past Ivan Nevistic.

Arsenal added a third in injury time, Martin Odegaard tapping home from close range after being found by Leandro Trossard’s deflected cross.

Arsenal fans praised their players for their efforts on the night, with many making the same point about Martinelli.

READ MORE: Leandro Trossard says Mikel Arteta does one thing that he found 'weird' when he first joined Arsenal

Arsenal fans say Gabriel Martinelli has stepped up in Bukayo Saka absence

Arsenal fans noted how Martinelli has really stepped up since Bukayo Saka’s injury and has been the Gunners’ best forward in recent weeks.

“Martinelli definitely took Saka’s injury personally,” joked one supporter. “Best player in recent games.”

Another said: “Martinelli since Saka has been injured has been quite good, I can’t lie.

“Have to give it to him, I am not his biggest fan but last few weeks he has played well.”

The praise for Martinelli kept coming, with one fan saying: “Wow Martinelli what a ball one of the only players that have stepped up since Saka got injured.”

Another wrote: “Martinelli only attacker that's stepped up since Saka's injury.”

Another said: “Finally getting to see the Martinelli of old these last few weeks.

“Been so much more direct in taking on his man, penetrating central runs and playing with confidence.

“Arteta said he needs players to step up in Saka's replacement, Martinelli is doing so.”

How Martinelli fared against Dinamo

Martinelli was superb on the night as he played a part in Arsenal’s first two goals thanks to his pace, trickery, and accuracy.

He was a constant thorn in Dinamo’s side with his pace, and also carried out his defensive duties as he worked hard to track back.

A point away at Girona next week is now likely to be enough to get Mikel Arteta’s side over the line in terms of qualification for the last 16.