Arsenal manager Unai Emery was full of praise for Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli after the 18-year old Brazilian forward scored twice in the Gunners’ 5-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
It was Martinelli’s first start for the club, having made one appearance from the substitutes bench so far. Emery admits that the Brazilian has had to be patient for his chance.
Martinelli started in a slightly unfamiliar centre forward position, but opened and closed the scoring during the five goal rout of Forest.
“Martinelli is a very young player, but he came here and we were waiting and watching him, how he could improve with us and really, really in the pre-season he played very well,” said Emery.
“He was working in each training with a big spirit and with a big performance and I spoke with him to have some passion for when he gets his opportunity to play, to do like he was doing in the training and the matches in the pre-season.
“Tonight he did that. Really, he deserved it because he is very humble, a humble player and he fights, he is hungry to have that opportunity to help us and really it was perfect, his work tonight.”