The outcome of last night's game may have been disappointing, but it was ninety minutes full of positives for Arsenal. However, one of the main standouts was the ever-energetic Gabriel Martinelli.
Despite a few injury setbacks since his arrival from Brazilian side Ituano in 2019, the 20-year-old has managed to overcome the challenges and become a vital member of Mikel Arteta's squad.
Providing an immense work rate, positive attitude and elite mentality, Martinelli has been one of several bright sparks within the Arsenal team this season, contributing five goals and four assists across 26 appearances so far whilst proving to be a handful for opposition defenders.
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Trent Alexander-Arnold may have been on the winning side as Liverpool visited the Emirates yesterday, but it's safe to say he had his work cut out for large parts of the match. The England international often found it difficult to keep up with Martinelli's pace, tricky footwork and never-ending energy.
Many of his Liverpool teammates also struggled to prevent danger from the winger when on two separate occasions, he made blistering runs around the Red's backline before delivering dangerous balls into the box, beating several players in the process.
After the game, Jurgen Klopp thought Alexander-Arnold defended well against Martinelli but of course, he couldn't help but heap praise on the Arsenal man for the umpteenth time.
"Martinelli is such a talented boy, it's really tricky," Klopp replied when asked how he thought the full-back dealt with him. This follows a number of moments where the Liverpool boss has previously singled out "talent of the century" Martinelli to highlight just how special he is.
Despite not even being asked about the player, Klopp said: "Martinelli by the way. Everybody should remember that name. Outstanding player," following the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final back in January.
However, as much as I hate to break it to you Jurgen, your admiration for Gabi isn't going to lure him to Anfield anytime soon. Speaking to ESPN Brazil earlier this year, Arsenal's £6m bargain reiterated his loyalty to the club and the determination to win trophies in north London.
'We always want more. Of course, Arsenal are a giant team. If I can, I’ll stay here my whole life. I want to conquer things, I already said, I want to stay here and win titles, with this wonderful crowd, my teammates,' he explained.
'We have a young group, we have a lot of time ahead of us, players with a lot of quality, I think we will achieve great things. Our focus [today] is the Champions League. Fighting for that top 4. A club like Arsenal has to be in the Champions League. It’s our total focus.'
Martinelli has established himself as one of the most exciting talents in the Premier League, if not Europe, so Klopp's praise comes as no surprise. But if he was using his comments in an attempt to turn the Brazilian's head away from the Gunners, then he must be prepared for disappointment.
