“As a defender, facing a player like him is challenging. Whenever he possesses the ball, his sharpness and unpredictable movements make it difficult, leaving no room to breathe even for a second.” – Liverpool’s Konate mentions the Arsenal player who posed a tough challenge yesterday, not Saka, Ødegaard, or Havertz.

Gary Neville expressed astonishment at Gabriel Martinelli’s determination in creating an early opportunity for Bukayo Saka during Arsenal’s clash with Liverpool on Sunday.

Saka eventually opened the scoring in the first half, but an earlier chance could have resulted in more. Martinelli, attacking down the left side, exploited Trent Alexander-Arnold’s positional vulnerability, requiring Ibrahima Konate to confront him.

Despite Konate’s effort, the Brazilian showcased his speed, escaping the Liverpool center-back and delivering a superb cross into the six-yard box. Saka seemed poised to nod it in, but unfortunately, Mikel Arteta mistimed his header, sending it wide.

Gary Neville marveled at Martinelli’s performance, describing it as breathtaking and expressing surprise at Saka not converting the chance. He questioned Alexander-Arnold’s decision not to track back with Martinelli, leaving Konate to handle the situation, albeit unsuccessfully.