Arteta hails 'phenomenal' rise of Martinelli; told players Liverpool were 'here for the taking'

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised Gabriel Martinelli after his tremendous performance against Liverpool on Sunday.

The Brazil international was superb as his side beat the Reds 3-2.

Martinelli had struggled for time under Arteta before becoming one of the first names on the team roster last year.

On the 21-year-old's first goal against Liverpool, the Arsenal manager told Sky Sports: "It was the best way to start because of the confidence it generates in the stadium, so we're really happy."

On Martinelli, Arteta added: "When you see where he is a year ago, from playing against Brentford to where he is today, it's phenomenal, but it's is his desire to train hard every day.

"It's a nightmare to play against him and we know we have a real threat up front."

The win over Liverpool was a huge statement with Arsenal back at the top of the Premier League.

"There were a lot of moments and the threat they have, they can open you up, but we showed a lot of composure and character," Arteta added after the game.

"We couldn't get out [before half-time] because we weren't good in our preparation and playing the ball inside is very difficult. We started losing duels and he had to hang on to get to half-time."

Arteta said his team talk at halftime was about letting his players know the game was there for the taking.

"It was [the team discussion] heated, but we wanted to give them confidence and tell them that the game was there for the taking. [In the second half] the organization was better, the timing of the press, we won every other ball.

"I was really happy. You always have doubts about the changes and the number of players they put in or the last lie, but the players handled the situation with a lot of maturity and composure."

Martinelli - who managed Trent Alexander-Arnold in tatters before being substituted at half-time - says his inexperience means nothing, it all depends on your 'heart'. How adorable.

"It means a lot to us," the young winger told Sky Sports.

"We worked hard and we deserve the victory and we have to continue because the season is long and we want to achieve good things.

"We race for each other and we are a family, everyone is on their toes and we deserve to win.

"It doesn't matter how old you are, it's your heart and everything you want to achieve in football and in life. That's the most important thing.

"We have to believe in it and play game by game trying to win them all."

Bukayo Saka was on the scoresheet twice, scoring the winning goal from the penalty spot after converting an excellent pass from Martinelli just before half-time.

Saka praised Liverpool for always making things difficult for his team over the years and knows the result will give him and his teammates 'confidence'.

"For the last two or three years, Liverpool have been a team we have struggled against," he said.

"Winning in front of our fans is special and it shows how far we are progressing.

"It gives us more confidence because they are a fantastic team and we have a lot of respect for them. I feel like we deserved to lead at half time, so scoring that goal was crucial. I want to score more now."

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