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Football London
Football London
Sport
Luke Thrower

Arsenal finally have their own Eden Hazard as Mikel Arteta praises star for title impact

Arsenal are in the thick of a title challenge thanks to their ability to work as a team in a system that has been well drilled by Mikel Arteta. However, it's the ability of the individuals to be able to execute the plan to perfection that has perhaps seen them reach their heights this season.

Outstanding individual seasons for the likes of Bukayo Saka and Granit Xhaka have propelled the Gunners to a new level that hasn't been seen for years. However, it's perhaps Gabriel Martinelli that has managed to shine the brightest amongst a group of impressive stars.

The 21-year-old added to his tally once again on Friday in the 3-3 draw with Southampton that took him to 15 goals in the Premier League this campaign. That leaves him just one behind the all-time best scoring season of former Chelsea star Eden Hazard had in the division before leaving for Real Madrid, with six games left to beat it.

READ MORE: Wayne Rooney hands Mikel Arteta and Arsenal an Erling Haaland blueprint for Man City showdown

The Brazilian has more than paid off the £5million transfer fee from Ituano all those years ago and with plenty more in the tank, it could go down as one of the Gunners' best signings ever. The winger will be hopeful to crown a fine individual season off with silverware though, with the title still up for grabs.

Discussing Martinelli's impact this season, Arteta told the press after the draw with Southampton: "You’re not in the position we’re in if you don’t have players performing individually consistently throughout the season. He’s [Martinelli] been one of them."

It remains to be seen just how much better the tricky winger can get, with the best years of his career still hopefully ahead of him. However, the focus on the here and now will be continuing his fine form and firing the side towards a title charge in their final league run-in.

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