Two-goal Martinelli inspires Arsenal as Man Utd toil in Europa League
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Teenage striker Gabriel Martinelli (C) scores two goals in Arsenal's victory over Standard Liege in the Europa League. /VCG Photo

Teenage striker Gabriel Martinelli (C) scores two goals in Arsenal's victory over Standard Liege in the Europa League. /VCG Photo

Arsenal teenager Gabriel Martinelli scored twice to spark a 4-0 rout of Standard Liege in the Europa League group stage on Thursday, while Manchester United stuttered to a goalless draw against AZ Alkmaar.

Martinelli, 18, headed in superbly to give last year's runners-up Arsenal the lead on 14 minutes at the Emirates Stadium before adding a quick-fire second barely two minutes later.

The Brazilian was making just his second start for the Gunners since joining the club in July. He also struck twice on his full debut against Nottingham Forest in the League Cup.

Joe Willock fired in a third for a youthful Arsenal on 22 minutes and Martinelli set up Dani Ceballos on the hour to wrap up another comfortable win in Europe as Unai Emery's side moved on to six points at the top of Group F.

"The team had a great performance. It's a very important win for us," defender Hector Bellerin told BT Sport, praising the dedication shown by Martinelli.

"He keeps his head down, he works really hard, he is doing what the coach wants him to do and it shows on the pitch. Everyone is really pleased for him."

Arsenal are three points clear of both Standard and Eintracht Frankfurt, who beat Vitoria Guimaraes 1-0 in Portugal.

Dani Ceballos'#8 first Arsenal goal is also set up by Gabriel Martinelli. /VCG Photo

Dani Ceballos'#8 first Arsenal goal is also set up by Gabriel Martinelli. /VCG Photo

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's United again struggled in attack and failed to muster a single shot on target with the club still searching for a first away win since March.

United are winless in 10 games away from home - a run that has seen them score just five times.

"The conditions were tough but I thought we did very well. It puts us in a good position," said Solskjaer.

"If you get your draws away from home and win the home games, you'll be fine."

Academy product Brandon Williams was handed his first start for United, who saw teenager Mason Greenwood denied by a superb block from Ron Vlaar on 30 minutes.

The game was played in The Hague, on an artificial surface described as "one of the worst" by Solskjaer, after a storm damaged Alkmaar's home ground in August.

United rarely threatened with substitute Jesse Lingard firing wide although Solskjaer reacted in disbelief when Marcus Rashford appeared to be chopped down in the penalty area.

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford is fouled during the match while his side are denied a "nailed-on penalty", according to Coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. /VCG Photo

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford is fouled during the match while his side are denied a "nailed-on penalty", according to Coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. /VCG Photo

"It's a penalty 101 times out of 100," said the Norwegian.

Steven Gerrard's Rangers conceded an injury-time goal in a 2-1 loss at Swiss side Young Boys.

Wolves, in their first European campaign since 1980, rebounded from an opening loss to Braga as Willy Boly's stoppage-time goal earned them a 1-0 win at Besiktas.

PSV Eindhoven defeated Rosenborg 4-1, while Lazio came from behind to beat Rennes 2-1.

Source(s): AFP