Gabriel Jesus makes feelings clear on Gabriel Martinelli with six-word Arsenal verdict

Gabriel Martinelli 'deserved' hismoment of glory vs Athletic Bilbao,ArsenalteammateGabriel Jesus has claimed. The Brazilian wideman was introduced as a substitute in Spain on Tuesday evening.

And he set the Gunners on their way to victory as he opened the scoring with a sensational solo effort in the second-half. He then played a key role in Arsenal’s second goal as he teed up fellow substitute Leandro Trossard.

Jesus - currently out with a long-term knee injury - shared his thoughts on his compatriot’s display and was full of praise. Taking to Instagram, he wrote: "Good brother, you really deserve it!"

• Bukayo Saka sends Arsenal message after Athletic win as injury absence continues
• Jurrien Timber backs Mikel Arteta plan as Arsenal look to evolve to claim Champions League dream

Jesus' assessment of Martinelli’s performance was very similar to that of Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, who praised the forward for his contribution having initially named him among the substitutes.

Speaking after his side's win, he said: "He fully deserved it. I adore Gabriel: his attitude, his commitment, his positivity, what he's willing to do for the team.

"I was sure that Gabby was going to react like that. He has such a mentality. He’s constantly willing to learn, very demanding with himself and hopefully that gives him the confidence again because he is an outstanding player.

"I looked on the bench, I looked at him, and in his eyes I could see that he was ready. Leo [Trossard] as well. I think that’s going to help us a lot for the future.

"That shows that they are at least equally important or more important as anyone in this squad. That the finishers are going to be more important this season than the starters."

Martinelli will certainly hope that his display in Spain forces him into contention ahead of this weekend's clash with Manchester City. The Brazilian had been named in the starting line-up for just two of Arsenal's four openingPremier League games of the campaign, while he also failed to contribute to a goal.

But giving an insight into his starring role in Spain, he said: "I'm really happy with the result, the goal and the assist as well. To win a game [in Bilbao] is really difficult, and I thought the team did really well, especially in the second half. I'm happy to be [nominated] the Player of the Match as well.

"When I came on, I just tried to get in behind. It was just a minute after I came on, and I wanted to just see where I could find space. I'd said to the guys on the bench that there was a huge space in behind. [Leo] saw me, it was a great ball from him and I just tried to put the ball in the net.

"For the second goal, I just tried to go past my man and look back to find someone in the box, and I knew [Athletic Club] were tired as well. I was able to find Leo, and he did the rest."