"Absolutely magical": Shearer blown away by 24yo Arsenal star who won 100% duels vs Inter

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer heaped praise on Gabriel Martinelli following his sublime pass in the lead-up to Arsenal’s third goal against Inter Milan in the Champions League yesterday.

The Gunners went into the game at San Siro with a 100 percent record, having won their first six matches in the league phase. They made the perfect start with Jesus scoring in the 10th minute.

Petar Sucic equalised with a fantastic effort from outside the box in the 18th minute. Arsenal managed to get back into the lead before the break with Jesus’ header from a set-piece.

Bukayo Saka squandered a couple of key chances in the second half, but he eventually provided the assist for Viktor Gyokeres’ fantastic long-range strike, six minutes from stoppage time.

Gabriel Martinelli was the architect behind the goal. He delivered a sublime 35-yard trivela pass from the left flank for Gyokeres. The Swede had a bit of luck before scoring his third European goal this season.

Shearer was one of those mesmerised by the outstanding bit of play by Martinelli. The former Magpies striker said that it was an ‘absolutely magical’ pass from the Brazil international.

He told Amazon Prime (via BBC Sport): “You’ve just seen an absolutely magical pass from Martinelli with the outside of the boot.

“It’s a brilliant run from Gyokeres and he might get a little bit of luck in how it falls to him but there’s still a lot to do.

“The keeper gets a hand to it but the power and the direction takes it past him.”

Martinelli has been in phenomenal form in the Champions League this campaign. He had scored in five consecutive matches prior to yesterday’s trip to the San Siro.

The 24-year-old could not extend his scoring streak, but he still made a big impact by creating a fantastic chance for Gyokeres, just when Inter were trying to equalise.

Martinelli only came on in the 79th minute for Trossard. He had a 100 percent pass accuracy (3/3), while winning 100 percent of his duels (2/2). He made two recoveries, too.

With the victory, Arsenal have cemented their round of 16 berth with 21 points. They are set to finish in the top two, which guarantees the second leg of the knockout ties at home.

Arsenal’s final league phase game of the competition will be against 36th-placed Kairat Almaty at the Emirates Stadium. They are favourites to pick up a comfortable victory.

The Gunners’ immediate focus will turn to Sunday’s much-awaited Premier League encounter against rivals Manchester United in north London.

Arsenal will be eyeing a victory to preserve or increase their seven-point lead over Manchester City and Aston Villa at the top of the league standings.

Stats from Sofascore.com

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