Gabriel Martinelli proved last night that he has to be first choice for Arsenal right now.The Brazilian forward was handed his first Premier League start against West Ham and he notched his first goal in the competition to draw the Gunners level.His strike proved to be the catalyst for a much-needed comeback, with Freddie Ljungberg's side running out 3-1 winners at the London Stadium.Nicolas Pepe and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored the winning goals, but it was the performance of Martinelli that really had Gunners fans waxing lyrical.The Brazilian was the only threat during a woeful first hour from Arsenal and without his desire and smart movement to grab the equaliser, another defeat beckoned.
- Nicolas Pepe scored his first Arsenal goal from open play
- West Ham stadium announcer calls David Luiz - it was Guendouzi
- PSG want to sign Sadio Mane as a replacement for Neymar
It's hard to believe that the 18-year-old phenomenon was playing in Brazil's fourth tier just seven months ago, given how impressive his stats have been this season.
In 14 games for the Gunners in all competitions, Martinelli has scored eight goals and provided two assists, averaging a goal or an assist every 69 minutes of play.
He has also now scored on his Premier League, Europa League and Carabao Cup debuts. All he needs now is to start and score against Leeds in the FA Cup third round to complete the quartet.
Oh and just to make things even better, he's now the youngest Arsenal player (18y 174d) to score on his first Premier League start.
Arsenal's season has been bleak up until now, but Martinelli - who cost just £6m - is a real ray of hope.
ANALYSIS
GIVEMESPORT'S Danny Ryan says:
There's no two ways about it, Martinelli simply has to be starting for Arsenal every single week from now on.
If it means angering Alexandre Lacazette and condemning him to the bench, then so be it.
Martinelli's selfless attitude, drive and smart movement dragged Arsenal back in a game they looked destined to lose.
His ability to play out on the left and still wreak havoc in the middle gives the Gunners balance, something which has been sorely lacking of late.
Lacazette and Aubameyang are the two best forwards at the club on paper, but Martinelli, Aubameyang and Pepe simply has to be the attacking trident of choice!