Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli added a fifth goal in the Premier League to his tally for the season, making sure the Gunners sealed all three points against Watford on Sunday.
The Brazilian was in need of another goal to continue his fine performances so far, going five games without a goal involvement before the match at Vicarage Road.
Before then, the 20-year-old’s last league goal was against Leeds United in December, in the middle of a fantastic run of form.
Martinelli went on a run of six goal involvements in six fixtures over the November to December period, but had struggled to find the net again until the game against Roy Hodgson’s men.
It was a much-needed goal from Martinelli, in a game that should have been more comfortable for Mikel Arteta and his side.
Martin Odegaard gave the Gunners the lead, combining well with Bukayo Saka on the right before slotting home with a left-footed finish inside the box.
Cucho Hernandez drew the Hornets level with a sublime overhead kick that left Aaron Ramsdale helpless to stop it from going in.
However, Arsenal took the lead again through Saka just before half-time. The England international did well to win the ball from Tom Cleverly, passing the ball into Alexandre Lacazette early.
The Frenchman held off two centre-backs, laying the ball back to Saka, who struck a ferocious shot that beat Ben Foster.
The second half saw the same sort of clinical frontline that put Arteta’s men into the lead.
A quick throw-in meant the Gunners could counter-attack with pace, with the ball finding Martinelli, who’s strike left Foster helpless once again.
It finished off a devastating move from Arsenal, one that clearly impressed icon Ian Wright.
The former striker took to Twitter to say: “Gabi!!!!!” following Martinelli’s strike.
The goal proved to be a key one too, as Watford scored late on through Moussa Sissoko to make the game 3-2.
It made for an uncomfortable final few moments of the game where it could have been more comfortable for the visitors, especially given the performance.
It marks an important three points in the race for the top four, given sides around Arsenal lost over the weekend. The addition of three youngsters regularly finding the scoresheet will be an added bonus.
