Arsenal legend Ian Wright has lavished praise on Gabriel Martinelli after the 18-year-old stepped in for captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the 1-1 draw against Sheffield United yesterday.

Aubameyang was serving the first game of his three-match ban for his sending off against Crystal Palace so head coach Mikel Arteta opted to pick the Brazilian teenager in his place. Some were wondering whether the young forward could fill the void left by the Gunners’ top scorer, but Wright thinks Martinelli was more than up to the task:

“He played well. He’s someone that the Arsenal fans are very excited about. He is someone that is constantly trying to get in the box, he has great movement.

“When you look at him, he’s sharp, always wants to get in the box, makes good darts into the box. He gets himself into a position and then look at his movement now and he gets the goal.”

“I think he’s under a lot of pressure with Aubameyang not being available. Everyone is saying ‘he has to come in’, can he fill the boots for the game? I think he did.”

Martinelli’s goal just before half time was an instinctive poacher’s goal. He ghosted in between two defenders to tap home a Bukayo Saka cross from close range, demonstrating his ability in the penalty box.

It may have only been the Brazilian’s second Premier League goal but he is now on nine for the season in all competitions from just 20 games. Not bad considering the Gunners only paid £6m for him in the summer.