Gabriel Martinelli beginning to prove Kieran Tierney prediction right at Arsenal

Kieran Tierney has long tipped Gabriel Martinelli for big things with the young Brazilian inspiring Arsenal to a win over Chelsea upon his return.

The forward had been a long-term absentee but started in attack as the Gunners ended their long losing run on Boxing Day.

Martinelli's stock has continued to rise ever since he arrived in north London as an unknown comodity last summer.

He quickly made a name for himself though scoring 10 times last term despite only starting on 16 occasions.

Martinelli already looks a bargain at £6m and was named ahead of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the starting XI three days ago.

Gabriel Martinelli returned as Arsenal got back to winning ways (Getty Images)

Tierney has previously been asked in a Q&A session on  Reddit  which one of his team-mates did he think had the potential to be a world-beater.

His answer was pretty emphatic as he heaped praise on the 19-year-old.

"Hmm. Again I would say Martinelli," Tierney said.

"I think his hunger and drive and his talent together at one is more than enough to be a world-class player for many years."

Martinelli and Tierney both arrived at Arsenal in the same summer.

The Scot moved down from Celtic and he quickly had his eye on the young forward from the minute they started training together.

Kieran Tierney has long tipped the forward for big things (Offside via Getty Images,)

"Gabriel Martinelli," he said when asked which player most impressed him during his first few sessions in north London.

"When I first did a full training session with the team I was put up against him and the intensity of his play was honestly mindblowing and I thought to myself this is the standard I need to be at to play for Arsenal."

Martinelli occupied a role on the left of the Gunners' attack on Boxing Day meaning he linked up with Tierney.

Speaking after the 3-1 win Mikel Arteta spoke highly of the pairs' understanding.

“I think both of them were really good, really good understanding, a lot of energy, really good communication and courage as well,” he said.

“They were really positive every time we were attacking, with the runs, playing forward, they were both involved in a lot of good attacking actions so I am really pleased with them.”