GABRIEL MARTINELLI: RISE TO THE TOP

Since signing for the Gunners as a teenager, Gabriel Martinelli's quality has never been in question, but this season his output is much improved. 

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Fans of rival clubs would have been rubbing their hands together as this season's table toppers went into the break a goal down to West Ham and in need of some quality in front of goal in the second half.

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After Bukayo Saka levelled matters in the 53rd minute, it was the Brazilian Martinelli who completed the turnaround just 5 minutes later, shifting the ball onto his left foot and firing past Fabianski at his near post.

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It was Martinelli's 6th Premier League goal of the season, equalling his previous best goal tally from last season with half the amount of games played so far.

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Not only has he found his scoring boots, but he has scored at big moments for the North London club this term - The Gunners opening goal of the season against Crystal Palace, an instinctive winner vs Aston Villa at The Emirates, and a fine finish against Liverpool amongst them.

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With Gabriel Jesus likely to be out for the best part of three months, Arsenal will need goals from their other attacking players to take the pressure off Eddie Nketiah.

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Right now, Martinelli, Odegaard and Saka are sharing this responsibility nicely. 

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Martinelli's road to first team stardom hasn't been plain sailing. He had to wait for opportunities under previous manager Unai Emery, and spent a lengthy six month spell on the sidelines after a knee cartilage injury in 2020.

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Despite this setback, he finished his debut 2019-20 campaign in English football with 10 goals in all competitions, including a memorable solo effort against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

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The goals dried up in the following 2020-21 season, largely attributed to a lack of consistent game time and the struggle of re-adapting to the relentless, fast-paced nature of Premier League football.

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Last season, there were flashes of Martinelli magic, but questions over his consistency. This season, Arsenal's number 11 looks like a completely different proposition altogether.

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One thing that has never been in question is Martinelli's ability to cause defenders absolute chaos, as Liverpool's Trent Alexander Arnold will likely be aware of following a torrid first half facing the winger back in October. 

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Martinelli's unpredictable nature is what gets fans off their seats. Although not at his best in the first half against the Hammers, his goal in the second was an example of the kind of player he is - one that can spark life into a game at any given moment.

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A single touch to get the ball out of his feet, and a willingness to take the shot on from a seemingly difficult angle. Some readers may even liken it to a famous Robin Van Persie equaliser against Barcelona back in 2011.

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His pressing and desire to win the ball back is another key reason why he's an integral part of Mikel Arteta's starting eleven.

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This, combined with a newfound ruthlessness in front of goal are reasons why keeping the electrifying winger fit and firing on all cylinders is key if Arsenal are to maintain a title challenge.