Arsenal player ratings: Teenager Martinelli shines grabbing two goals and an assist as Gunners beat Standard Liege
UNAI EMERY’S vow to give his Arsenal youngsters the opportunity to prove themselves paid dividends against Standard Liege.
A double from Gabriel Martinelli as well an assist for Dani Ceballos was sandwiched in between a Joe Willock strike.
Summer signing Kieran Tierney was involved for three of the goals while returning right-back Hector Bellerin showed promise on his first start since January.
Here is how SunSport’s Jack Figg rated the Gunners’ performances…
Emiliano Martinez – 6
Made two smart saves after Liege crosses resulted in shots inside the box.
Confident coming off his line but not given too many shots to save.
Hector Bellerin – 7
Showed hunger to get on the ball and start attacks down the right, didn’t have too much in the way of link up play with Maitland-Niles, though.
Starting his first game since January, the skipper was a threat in one on one situations often forcing through a cross.
Shkodran Mustafi – 6
Provided a long ball to Nelson that helped set up Arsenal’s first goal. Caught a step behind the Gunners back four at times struggling to keep up with play.
Made an important interception in the second half to prevent a Liege counter attack.
Rob Holding – 6
Dealt with aerial battles well, and calm with the ball at his feet.
A warning to inconsistent David Luiz.
Kieran Tierney – 8
Involved in the opening three strikes, providing the cross for Martinelli to head home to open the lead. Started attacks down the left for the other two goals.
Slowed down in tempo during the latter stages of the second 45 which is expected having returned from injury.
Lucas Torreira – 6
Sat the deepest of the midfield three, picked up the pieces and laid it off either side of him.
Settled the game down for Arsenal at times despite the Gunners being in complete control.
Joe Willock – 8
Reacted fast for the goal with little space managing to smash home.
Made positive runs at the Liege defence that led to chances and linked up well with Nelson to combine down the left.
Dani Ceballos – 7
Confident on the ball spreading play, wasn’t as forceful making driving runs as he has been in the league.
Showed sharp feet at times and scored his first goal in an Arsenal shirt, poking home on the line after more good work from Martinelli.
Reiss Nelson – 7
Came in from the left with menace, linked up nicely with Tierney and his shot lead to Willock’s goal.
Linked up well with Willock throughout causing Liege’s right side of defence constant headaches as he cut in and went wide for crosses.
Maitland-Niles – 4
Quiet first half that didn’t involve too much on or off the ball. Played right wing having filled in for Bellerin at full-back for a lengthy spell this year.
Replaced by Nicolas Pepe on 65 minutes ending an uneventful performance for Maitland-Niles.
Gabriel Martinelli – 9
Energetic throughout and showed great confidence to get on the ball. Expert header for his first and confident finish for the second goal showing sharp reactions to spin and get a shot off.
Had chances to grab his hat-trick but got an assist instead, crossing for Ceballos to make it four.
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SUBS: Pepe – 6
Came on for Maitland-Niles and given 25 minutes to perform, showed for the ball deep and drove at the defence looking to make an impact.
Had opportunities to shoot but couldn’t pull the trigger or find an accurate cross.
Matteo Guendouzi – 5
Replaced Willock on 74 minutes to help a slightly tiring Arsenal midfield tighten up in midfield.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 5
Came on for Nelson on the 79th minute, went through the motions with Arsenal having already wrapped the game up.