Arsenal pair Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are already battling for the Player of the Year award, according to Martin Keown.
The duo have been integral to the Gunners' impressive start to the campaign, which sees them sat top of the Premier League. They've also won all three of their Europa League group games as they look to secure safe passage into the knockout stages - their latest success owing to a Saka goal against Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt.
Saka, an academy graduate, and Martinelli, signed from Brazil as a teenager, have long been tipped for big things but are now regulars under Mikel Arteta. Between them they scored all three of Arsenal's goals as they saw off Liverpool on Sunday - Saka notching the winner from the spot.
Martinelli has scored four times this term, one more than his teammate, as they continue to offer a potent threat from their respective wings. Arteta has got Arsenal purring but Keown believes the two forwards are pushing their own cases for individual accolades.
He said on BT Sport : "Martinelli and Saka they’re vying for player of the year already". Keown was commentating on Arsenal as they kept up their 100 per cent record in Europe. he highlighted, following their success against Liverpool, how the Gunners have a clear philosophy under Mikel Arteta. Saka's first goal on Sunday owed to a Martinelli assist, with Keown citing the "trust" between the pair.
Arteta was full of praise for both players after they helped the Gunners see off Liverpool at the Emirates. The Spaniard hailed Martinelli as a difference maker after he opened the scoring in north London.
Who has had more influence at Arsenal this season - Saka or Martinelli? Have your say in the comments!
He said: "He’s a great player, I think today he had an outstanding performance against a top defender, against a top team and he made a difference in the game as well as the other players and that’s the next level to step up in these games and actually make things happen to win it."
Meanwhile Saka has earned praise for stepping up when Arsenal were awarded a penalty. The winger missed a crucial kick in the shootout which cost England at Euro 2020, but Arteta hailed his bravery. He said: "The boy didn’t hesitate to continue because he believes he can take them under pressure and he really enjoys the responsibility."
No Arsenal player has won the PFA Player of the Year award since Robin van Persie claimed it in 2012. Four former Gunners' have claimed the award with the Dutchman joined by Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Liam Brady.
