'Martinelli was just too hot to handle'
- Published
Former Arsenal defender Matthew Upson singled out Gabriel Martinelli for his impressive performance in Wednesday's Champions League win over Sevilla.
The Brazil forward assisted Bukayo Saka's second goal for the Gunners and was voted by BBC Sport users as the player of the match.
On what was so impressive about Martinelli, Upson told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast: "I just like it when you can see he is really energised for the game.
"There’s no fancy thrills, he’s not over-elaborate but he just knows he’s got pace. He likes to stop defenders in their tracks, he slows them down and then he just goes quickly.
"He knocks it with his right foot onto his left and goes around the outside. He must have gone round the outside of defenders into double figures in this game. As a right-back, when you are getting done that many times, you are really struggling.
"He was just too hot to handle."
One concerning thing for Arsenal however was an injury to goalscorer Bukayo Saka, who limped off with five minutes left after twisting his ankle.
"He is so key for Arsenal," said Upson. "Look at his assist and goal tonight. Martinelli for me was the star but Saka comes up with the numbers season after season.
"He is hugely impressive in terms of assists and goals and that is the key. Having him out of the team is a huge blow and I hope it isn’t too serious. I hope he gets back playing because his appearance record is fantastic. He barely misses a game."
