Mikel Arteta's Arsenal continued their flawless start to their 2025/26 Champions League campaign with a comprehensive, crowd-pleasing 4-0 victory over Atletico Madrid. There were plenty of brilliant performances from those of a Gunners persuasion, but one player has really given Arteta a headache ahead of their affair with Crystal Palace.
The north Londoners broke the deadlock in the 57th minute after Gabriel Magalhaes rose highest to meet Declan Rice's deliciously-delivered cross into the box – and the goals then flowed. Gabriel Martinelli grabbed their second of the affair seven minutes later before Viktor Gyokeres ended his nine-match goal drought with a brace.
Top of the Premier League and flying at Europe's top table, Arsenal – widely regarded as one of the biggest teams to never win the Champions League – are now looking ready to lift major silverware for just the second time in Arteta's reign. And you can bet that every player on Arsenal's books is keen to enjoy as many minutes as possible.
Watch highlights from Arsenal's 4-0 win over Atletico Madrid below:
Arsenal Ace's Perfomance vs Atletico Display Proves He's Worthy of Starting Berth
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Arteta's left-back conundrum aside, Arsenal's defence is pretty much set in stone between now and the end of the campaign; Martin Zubimendi and Rice are immovable objects in the engine room, and Bukayo Saka is expected to flank Gyokeres on the right for the majority fo games across all competitions. But what about on the left wing?
For Arteta, it'll be a toss-up between Leandro Trossard and Martinelli – but the latter's performance on home soil against Diego Simeone's men could have made the Spanish tactician's selection process much simpler.
Questions have arisen over the Brazilian's performance levels over the last couple of years and, truthfully, it's rather surprising that Arsenal have not spent a large amount of money on a left-sided forward. Eberechi Eze can play there, of course, but he operates much better from a more central hub – especially in Martin Odegaard's absence.
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Light on his feet and ready to pounce on defensive errors, the numbers behind Martinelli's 90-minute display has proven why he should be preferred over Trossard moving forward.
Although he had the least touches (42) of any outfield player to play 90 minutes, the 20-cap Brazil international tried to make every moment count: statistically, he created two chances, took five touches in Atletico's box and played one pass into the final third. He also notched Arsenal's second of the affair.
Myles Lewis-Skelly marauded through a seat of blue shirts, finding space with ease, before he pooped the ball off to his left-hand side. Martinelli, ready and raring to make a difference, opened up his body and guided his effort beyond Jan Oblak's extended arm. It was a composed, yet direct, finish that showcased his threat from the left.
Minutes, since the start of the current season to now, have not been easy to come by for the ex-Ituano academy graduate: he's started just two of his side's eight Premier League outings and has scored just once in that timeframe.
His influence on the continental stage, however, cannot be disputed. He's scored in three matches on the bounce – against Atheltic Club, Olympiacos and now Atletico – and added an assist to his name against the former. He's in great form and not starting him in fixtures to come would be a mistake on Arteta's part.
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Not only do Arsenal have Premier League and Champions League fixtures to worry about, but welcoming Brighton & Hove Albion to north London for the League Cup is on the horizon, too, and the games continue to come thick and fast for Arteta and his entourage by virtue of the fact they remain fighting on all fronts this season.
Initially, there were worries over Martinelli's future at the club over the summer – but writing for GIVEMESPORT, Fabrizio Romano reported the Gunners are 'very happy' with the 24-year-old and his 'top mentality'. That could put him in the driving seat to lock down the left flank as his for the foreseeable future.
All statistics per Sofascore – correct as of 21/10/2025