Aubameyang: Our Gabi going to be a superstar

PIERRE-EMERICK Aubameyang sat high in the stands and cast his verdict on the Arsenal teenager asked to step in and fill the void left by his three-match ban.

‘Gabi’s gonna be a superstar’, wrote Aubameyang on Twitter before going on to explain this was not because of Gabriel Martinelli’s goal but because of his ‘attitude’, ‘energy’ and his ‘mindset’.

The goal was useful, too, of course, putting his team ahead in the last minute of the first half. Bukayo Saka’s cross clipped George Baldock on a boot and swerved over goalkeeper Dean Henderson and there was Martinelli, 18, as it returned to earth. He nursed the ball home for his ninth goal of the season in all competitions.

Three games without Aubameyang is a daunting prospect for Arsenal. There is no greater presence in Arteta’s team at the moment, which is no doubt the reason why they appealed against the red card he received at Crystal Palace for a late challenge on Max Meyer.

The appeal was rejected and Aubameyang apologised in his programme notes to Meyer for the injury he suffered and to his team-mates. The striker has 16 goals this season and Martinelli, who slotted into his role on the left of an attacking trio, responded well to the challenge.

Signed last summer for £6million from Ituano in his native Brazil, he scored seven before the end of October in the Carabao Cup and Europa League. When he had his first start in the Premier League at West Ham in December, he marked the occasion with the equaliser in a 3-1 win. And just like Aubameyang, he looks to be going places.