Gabriel Martinelli scored his first
Arsenal goal as the Gunners sealed a 3-0 win over
Colorado Rapids in the first fixture of their pre-season tour of the United States.
The 18-year-old completed his £6 million move to the Gunners earlier this summer and has travelled with the squad for their pre-season campaign. And the Brazilian forward capped his fine display with a goal in the second half to complete Arsenal’s 3-0 victory. Bukayo Saka opened the scoring in the 13th minute as he raced on to Eddie Nketiah’s pass and chipped an effort over the onrushing goalkeeper, who got a touch but it wasn’t enough to prevent the ball from crossing the line.
James Olayinka then scored the goal of the game to double Arsenal’s lead as he intercepted a loose pass and drove at the heart of Colorado’s defence before unleashing a brilliant strike which hit the top corner.
Martinelli sealed the win in the 61st minute as he met Dominic Thompson’s cross just past the penalty spot and showed excellent improvisation as he chested the beyond the Colorado goalkeeper. Unai Emery opted to field a young side for the majority of the match with the likes of Mesut Ozil, Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang only featuring for 12 minutes.
Speaking about Martinelli after the match, Emery indicated that the Brazilian will be given chances to impress in the first team this season. ‘Our idea is to give every young player chances to be with us, first in the training ground and after in matches,’ said the Arsenal manager. ‘The idea is to continue working with them and give them chances. ‘They will win chances to show us what you can do.’