Alan Smith: Gabriel Martinelli has instincts of a natural-born goalscorer

It’s not as if Arsenal are desperate for striking alternatives just now.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is in the form of his life, tucking away chances with magnificent assurance. Factor in the excellent Alexandre Lacazette, once fit, and Unai Emery isn’t short of quality options through the middle.

Gabriel Martinelli, however, is quickly providing a choice. Following on from his brace against Nottingham Forest, another two goals last night to soften up Standard Liege spoke of a teenager going places fast. We hear he is better suited long term to a role on the wing, the position where he made his name at Ituano in Brazil.

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But his clever movement here suggested otherwise. The near-post dash across his marker to glance home a marvellous header. The skilful shimmy and shot to curl in the second. These aren’t the hallmarks of a winger filling in. They point to a front man with natural goalscoring instincts.

At 18, Martinelli obviously has much to learn. Pitted against better defenders, his hold-up play will need to gain nous. He’ll have to get stronger to protect the ball. But the basic ingredients are in place. He doesn’t need telling how to find space in the box — a wonderful asset for the challenge ahead.

But I’ve also got to mention Kieran Tierney’s contribution because the way he has performed in his first two appearances for Arsenal suggest the left-back is capable of following in the footsteps of greats like Kenny Sansom, Nigel Winterburn and Ashley Cole.

Swift, skilful and tough, the young Scotsman’s crossing ability especially appeals.

For any striker, it’s very handy to know when the ball is coming in so you can make your run with real confidence. Tierney doesn’t mess about.

A sharp shift and whip has become a trademark already.

It reminded me of the wonderful service provided by Brian Marwood in our 1988/89 title-winning season.

Brian didn’t always feel the need to beat his man. He’d chop the ball inside before curling in a beauty, a move

that created lots of goals that year for Arsenal’s No9.

And similar service from Tierney wouldn’t have escaped Aubameyang’s attention last night.

Watching from the bench, it couldn’t fail to register. Neither could the contribution of a young Brazilian.

Was that a forced smile after Martinelli’s second goal? You couldn’t blame Auba for recognising the threat.

