Arsenal talking points: Joe Willock looks like an Aaron Ramsey replacement as Gabriel Martinelli rise continues

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Gabriel Martinelli continued his brilliant start to life at Arsenal by scoring twice and assisting another as the Gunners beat Standard Liege 4-0.

The Brazilian bagged a brace against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup last month and he replicated that feat on Thursday in the Europa League.

Martinelli opened the scoring in the 13th minute and added a second moments later when he curled the ball home.

Joe Willock made it 3-0 in the 22nd minute, before Dani Ceballos wrapped up the win in the second-half when he tapped home Martinelli’s cross.

And here Standard Sport takes a look at some of the talking points from a convincing win for Arsenal.

Martinelli looks like a star in the making

Arsenal fans thought they had a talent on their hands after watching Martinelli’s full debut against Nottingham Forest and this performance against Standard Liege only confirmed their suspicions.

Getty Images

The Brazilian was superb on Thursday night, terrorising the Belgian side’s defence with his relentless pressing and proving a threat in front of goal. His first goal was expertly taken as he turned an average cross by Kieran Tierney into a brilliant one by powering a header past the Liege goalkeeper.

Not to be outdone, Martinelli duly curled one into the bottom corner to grab his second just minutes later. It brought a wry smile from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on the Arsenal bench. Acknowledgement from him, perhaps, that Martinelli really is one to watch.

Willock looks a long-term replacement for Ramsey

Following the departure of Aaron Ramsey to Juventus, Arsenal are looking for someone to step up and provide goals from midfield. Replacing the Wales international will not be an easy task, but in Willock the Gunners look as though they may have someone who can do just that in the future.

PA

Since Unai Emery was appointed as Arsenal head coach, the 20-year-old has scored six goals in 15 games and he looks a genuine threat going forward. His goal tonight was a calm finish as he pounced quickly to slot the ball into the bottom corner when Reiss Nelson’s shot had been blocked.

Willock needs time given his age, but he has the makings of a talented box-to-box player - something Arsenal crave.

Saka’s growing importance underlined by omission

Since bursting onto the scene last month against Eintracht Frankfurt, Bukayo Saka’s rise has shown no signs of slowing down.

The 18-year-old scored one and assisted two against the German side that night and he was duly rewarded with his full Premier League debut against Aston Villa. A start away at Old Trafford has followed since too and his omission from Thursday’s match against Standard Liege was telling.

REUTERS

Such is Saka’s importance to Arsenal now he is being rested for Europa League ties and saved for the Premier League, with the Gunners facing Bournemouth on Sunday. It’s an incredible rise for a player who has only played eight games for Arsenal.

Ozil’s future looking bleaker than ever at Arsenal

With just one Premier League appearance all season, you would have thought Mesut Ozil would be a regular fixture in the Europa League.

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

However, despite being fit, the German was left out of Arsenal’s squad to face Standard Liege in a move that underlines his diminishing importance in North London. The attacking midfielder is now being left out of Arsenal sides for youngsters such as Willock and Nelson, and there is surely no way back for the World Cup winner at the Emirates.

His two starts this season have come against bottom of the table Watford in the Premier League and Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup, while he has not played a single minute in Europe. It is a situation that feels untenable.

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