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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Rich Jones

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's reaction to Gabriel Martinelli's Arsenal brace

Arsenal wonderkid Gabriel Martinelli stole the spotlight in the first half of their Europa League clash with Standard Liege.

The Brazilian teenager, signed from Ituano in the summer, headed in a Kieran Tierney cross before twisting and turning inside the box to fire in a stunning finish just two minutes later.

Martinelli's second goal was a sensational solo effort, underlining why he has already made a big impression at the Emirates as he is viewed as a future star.

He flourished early on in a central role - and it wasn't just watching fans who were impressed by his start as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang showed his approval.

The striker, left on the bench to hand Martinelli a start in the Europa League, was shown grinning on the Arsenal bench after his superb strike.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could not help but smile after Martinelli's brace (BT Sport)

Fans were quick to notice how "proud" Aubameyang looked as they loved his reaction to the youngster taking his chance to shine.

One supporter labelled the Brazilian a "Thursday night Aubameyang" with others predicting they have a ready-made replacement for the Gabonese frontman in the future.

Another theory was that Aubameyang's smile showed he was relaxed and looking forward to a simple night without being called upon form the bench.

Martinelli struck twice during a stunning first half performance (ANDY RAIN/EPA-EFE/REX)

"Aubameyang can put his feet up tonight. Martinelli is having a stormer," one fan wrote.

However, others theorised he may have been smiling through some concern that Martinelli is now pushing to take his first-team place as he staked a claim to watching boss Unai Emery.

"Aubameyang lowkey getting worried his starting place will be taken," another supported commented.

Martinelli's early double was followed up by a Joe Willock goal to put Arsenal in cruise control with a 3-0 lead before the half hour mark.

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