Gabriel Martinelli runs Arsenal show by mastering moments of chaos

Gabriel Martinelli realised this opportunity for pure clear air may not come again for weeks. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian

The defining passage of this game arguably occurred about 10 minutes in. It didn’t result in a goal. It barely even resulted in a shot. But in a way, everything that comes later flows from that moment.

Here is what happens: David Raya catches a Liverpool cross, and in one fluid movement he hurls the ball out to Gabriel Martinelli on the left wing. Martinelli runs. And runs. And keeps running. The crowd at the Emirates Stadium rises to its feet and bellows Martinelli on like a winning racehorse.