Bukayo Saka scores a worldie and Gabriel Martinelli destroys two defenders, Arsenal are back
It took just 26 minutes for Gabriel Martinelli to make his mark on the new Premier League season, producing an outrageous assist for Eddie Nketiah's opener against Nottingham Forest.
The early kick-off was delayed until 1pm because of issues with Arsenal's new electronic ticketing system leaving fans stranded outside the Emirates.
But a full house packed inside the stadium to see Martinelli conjure up utter filth for the club's first goal of the season.
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The Brazilian received the ball on the left and immediately set off on a dribble down the left flank. He was faced by two defenders but jinked his way through the pair of them in glorious fashion with a disgusting piece of Samba skill.
The ball was flicked onto Martinelli's other foot and arrived right in the path of Nketiah, who put Arsenal ahead with a deflected strike.
Oh wow, that was lovely Gabriel Martinelli! 😮💨
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 12, 2023
Eddie Nketiah finishes the move to put Arsenal 1-0 up!
📺 Watch live on TNT Sports & discovery+ pic.twitter.com/2XLtMTycQj
Ally McCoist was salivating at the mouth watching the brilliance from the TNT Sports commentary booth.
Arsenal, who beat Manchester City on penalties to win the Community Shield at Wembley last week, extended their lead shortly after courtesy of starboy Bukayo Saka.
The forward received the ball from William Saliba and cut in from the right flank before unleashing an unstoppable strike past Matt Turner.
STOP THAT, BUKAYO SAKA! 🚀
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 12, 2023
📺 Watch live on TNT Sports & discovery+ pic.twitter.com/eC0BDyjrtP
The American, who only recently left the Gunners for Forest, had absolutely no chance of saving the rocket.
Forest had actually defended resolutely in the early exchanges but Arsenal turned it on, with their wingers producing the magic we saw so often last term.
Arsenal led the Premier League for large spells but fell at the last hurdle and finished five points by a treble-winning Manchester City side who went on an incredible run.
But Mikel Arteta's side have splashed out £208 million on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber in a bid to go one better after last season's second-placed finish.
They are expected to conclude their summer business with the capture of Brentford goalkeeper David Raya, who will join on loan with an option to buy.
Topics: Arsenal, Gabriel Martinelli, Nottingham Forest, Premier League
Josh Lawless