“Arsenal will need him” - Martin Keown makes confident claim on ‘flying’ Gunners star

Arsenal legend Martin Keown heaped praise on Gabriel Martinelli following his pivotal performance in the Gunners' thrilling 4-2 victory over Leicester City. It came at the Emirates in the Premier League on Saturday, September 28.

Speaking to BBC Sport after the match, Keown lauded Martinelli's impact, especially after breaking his goal drought that stretched back to March.

"Martinelli is flying again," Keown said (via TBR Football). He has the goals going in again and Arsenal will need him."

The Brazilian forward opened the scoring in the 20th minute, finishing a low cross from Jurrien Timber. He also provided an assist for Leandro Trossard in the first-half stoppage time. Keown believes Martinelli’s return to form would be crucial for the Gunners’ Premier League campaign.

Martinelli’s influence waned in the second half. However, his contribution in the first 45 was invaluable to the success of the Mikel Arteta-led outfit against a resilient Leicester. He has registered one goal and two assists in eight games across competitions this season.

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Arsenal go level on points with Manchester City after Leicester triumph

Arsenal left it late to secure all three points in a dramatic 4-2 victory over Leicester City at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners initially took a commanding 2-0 lead before a second-half rally from Leicester threatened to spoil their afternoon. As mentioned earlier, Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring and then set up Leandro Trossard before the half-time whistle.

However, Leicester responded after the break, with James Justin scoring a brace, including a spectacular volley off the post that leveled the score at 2-2. Shotstopper Mads Hermansen frustrated the north London giants throughout the second half, making 13 saves to keep his side in the match.

However, the Foxes' defensive resilience crumbled in injury time. A corner from Bukayo Saka in the 94th minute caused chaos in the Leicester box. Wilfred Ndidi inadvertently turned the ball into his own net after Trossard's shot. Just three minutes later, Gabriel Jesus broke with pace, setting up Kai Havertz for the hosts’ fourth goal, which was confirmed after a VAR review.

Despite Leicester’s late push, the Gunners held on and have now gone level on points with arch-rivals Manchester City in the league table with 14 points. It's Liverpool who sit pretty at the top, though, with five victories from six outings.

Arsenal face Southampton next in the league at the Emirates Stadium on October 5 and they'll be eager to build on the accumulated momentum. Before that, they will host Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the UEFA Champions League on October 1.