Arsenal fans have laughed off claims that Manchester United youngster Alejandro Garnacho is better than Gabriel Martinelli after the 18-year-old scored his first goal for the club.
Garnacho got the only goal of the game as Erik ten Hag's side beat Real Sociedad 1-0 in their group stage game, but it wasn't enough for the Red Devils to top their group and ensure that no Europa League knockout round play-off is necessary.
Mikel Arteta's side avoided that fate by beating FC Zurich at the Emirates in their final group stage game, therefore giving themselves an extra two games off in early 2023.
READ MORE: Arsenal player ratings vs FC Zurich - Tierney's Chelsea claim, Lokonga impresses, Jesus angst
As Garnacho, who raced through in Spain to score the only goal of the game, netted his first for United, fans were quick to compare him to Arsenal's own starlet.
Martinelli has five league goals already this season alongside two assists in a blistering start to the campaign, he'd never previously scored more than three in an entire season. Garnacho only made his senior debut earlier this year but has only played 11 minutes of league football.
The Spanish-born Argentina international has started the last two group games but doesn't have a record close to Martinelli's. The winger made his league debut for the Gunners as an 18-year-old after signing from Brazilian club Ituano.
Currently there is no real comparison for ability, Martinelli has been one of the best players this year whereas Garnacho is yet to start a league game. Arsenal fans, seeing the funny side but also not willing to hold back, were quick to put United supporters in their place when it came to claims that their own young attacker was better than Martinelli.
As much as there was praise for the pair, with belief that a rivalry between them could grow in the coming years, there's no doubt what Arsenal fans thought, here's how social media reacted.
@Ebe4Eva: They’re both good outlet runners who are direct. Martinelli obviously more along in his development but Garancho really reminds me of him.
@ade_lamina: Garancho is a Martinelli wanna be. Do they just make these South America attackers the same??
@omondik3: They started by gassing up Sancho vs Martinelli then went to Elanga now Garnacho our Martinelli is putting levels for benchmarking.
@afcshjee: these man are now saying garnacho is their martinelli like.... garnaWHO??
@Marrirez: Martinelli has the speed, movement, technical ability, physicality. There's literally nothing Garnacho has over him. Martinelli literally playing as a Striker for Arsenal. He's shown high IQ, versatility.
@CuckooCocoaPuff: I’ve not tuned in today, but I see Garnacho get more hype than any other recent United Academy product. Regardless, comparing him to Martinelli after one goal in Europe is close to football sacrilege. But I’m convinced United fans never watch Martinelli play anyway.
@_alleplgoals: Garnacho Vs Martinelli for the next decade is gonna be wild
@APresserV2: this upcoming Martinelli/Garnacho era >>>>
READ NEXT:
Cedric starts, Bukayo Saka recovers, Gabriel Jesus risked - Arsenal predicted XI vs FC Zurich
Saka and Zinchenko return, World Cup doubt for Europa star - Things spotted in Arsenal training
Saka, Zinchenko, Elneny: Arsenal injury news and return dates ahead of huge Europa League tie
Edu given transfer redemption to finally sign ideal Arsenal midfielder amid Barcelona discontent
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
