Gabriel Martinelli: Bent Picks Arsenal Star Over Neymar After Solo Run Against Sporting

• Arsenal and Sporting Lisbon played out a 2-2 draw in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League round of 16
• The deadlocked result leaves plenty to play for when the two sides meet again in London next week
• Brazilian star Gabriel Martinelli almost scored a beautiful goal from a solo run during the second half

Arsenal came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw against Sporting, despite scoring first in Portugal in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League round of 16 tie.

The Gunners went ahead through French defender, William Saliba in the 22nd minute before Goncalo Inacio responded 15 minutes later.

The Portuguese went ahead 10 minutes into the second half.

Arsenal drew level again halfway into the second half after Hidemasa Morita turned the ball into his own net but before that goal, Brazilian star, Gabriel Martinelli produced a near-solo goal.

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Video: Martinelli's solo run

According to talkSPORT, it would have been one of Arsenal's best goals in Europe if it had gone in, if not for the intervention of Sporting defender, Jeremiah St. Juste.

The Brazilian had wriggled past four opponents after picking up the ball deep in the Arsenal half. As reported by Planet Football, the defender - who matched Martinelli for speed and blocked the ball - has a pace rating of 93 in the newest FIFA video game.

Speaking ahead of the game, the pacy winger said he was ready to play anywhere - up front, through the middle or even in goal - so long he is on the team, in a video published by HaytersTV.

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Bent picks Martinelli over Neymar

Former Premier League striker, Darren Bent made an audacious claim after watching the 21-year-old, claiming he would pick him over compatriot, Neymar, based on his current form.

“Right now, I’d rather have Martinelli because Neymar is out for the season. I like our squad now, so I’m sticking with Martinelli. Neymar in his pomp is unbelievable, but there are just times when things don’t fit,” Bent said, as quoted by Sport Bible.

Martinelli celebrates before scoring

Sports Brief also reported on Martinelli celebrating before scoring Arsenal's fourth goal in the 4-2 win over Aston Villa.

The Brazilian was put through on goal after ex-teammate and goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez had committed to a corner.

Martinelli pointed his hands in celebration before slotting the ball home past the team managed by ex-boss, Unai Emery.