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Arsenal youngster Gabriel Martinelli was a huge influence for Freddie Ljungberg in Thursday night’s comeback against Standard Liege.
The Gunners secured top spot in Group F after a 2-2 draw in Belgium.
Martinelli, who scored on his Premier League full debut on Monday came off the bench in the second half and his youthful exuberance, trickery and tenacity helped turn the game on its head.
And Gunners icon Martin Keown believes the 19 year-old is already teaching the older players a thing or two.
‘The game changed when Martinelli came off the bench tonight. 69th minute, a young player, a desire and a work-rate you’d except from the senior players,’ said Keown.
Gabriel Martinelli with Standard Liege’s Samuel Bastien after the match
‘I didn’t see a role model in that team. He came on and changed it,’ he continued.
‘The older players were a long time getting to that level for Arsenal.
Martinelli will be hoping he is picked by Ljungberg to take on Manchester City at the Emirates this weekend.
The Premier League clash is pivotal to Arsenal’s Champions League challenge.
Gooners, should Martinelli start? If so, who drops out? Let us know in the comments…
