No one can take over from ‘irreplaceable’ Saka at Arsenal| All Football

Gabriel Martinelli labeled Arsenal team-mate Bukayo Saka as “one of the best players in the world”, saying no one in the Gunners squad can replace the England international.

Saka is expected to miss up to two months of action after undergoing hamstring surgery after picking up an issue in their 5-1 win over Crystal Palace earlier this month.

But Mikel Arteta’s side have done well in his absence, winning three consecutive Premier League games, the latest of which came against Brentford on Wednesday.

That run of results has moved Arsenal to second in the table and six points behind leaders Liverpool, although Arne Slot’s side have a game in hand over the Gunners.

Arsenal’s back-up quality has been crucial in recent weeks, with Martinelli and compatriot Gabriel Jesus rediscovering their goal-scoring touch at the right time.

They both scored against the Bees, with Jesus canceling out Bryan Mbeumo’s opener before Martinelli finished the scoring after Mikel Merino put the Gunners ahead.

Martinelli has now scored in three of his last four Premier League away games (three goals), more than his previous 26 on the road in the previous competition (two goals).

Meanwhile, Jesus has scored six goals in his last four appearances for Arsenal in all competitions – as many as his previous 48 before that.

But despite his fine form since Saka’s injury, Martinelli said his team-mate was among the elite in world football.

“No one can take his place. He is one of the best players in the world. We trust ourselves, and we will try our best for the club,” Martinelli told TNT Sports.

Martinelli has now scored six goals in 25 games in all competitions this season, just two short of matching his total from the 2023-24 campaign.

The Brazilian starred in Arsenal’s title challenge two seasons ago, scoring 15 Premier League goals in 36 outings, his best return since his 2019 move from Ituano.

While Martinelli praised his team for earning their first win away from home after conceding a goal since February 2023, he spoke of the difficulties he has faced in the last two years.

“I think the team did great today,” added Martinelli. “To come here and play like we did is amazing.

“Of course, the most important thing is the three points, and we did that, but then the most important thing was how we reacted, and we did that.”

“I’m still working and everyone at the club can tell how I work every day, not just me but everyone. I’m not giving up, and it’s not easy to play for a big club like Arsenal.

“Now I can score, and I’m very happy – I want to keep scoring to help the team.”

After the game, Arteta was reserved in his assessment of whether Arsenal could catch Liverpool in their quest for the Premier League title.

Meanwhile, Martinelli was more confident in his teammates, saying: “Yes, for sure, the previous two years were amazing. We didn’t win the league, but we were there fighting.”