Gabriel Martinelli called Arsenal teammate Bukayo Saka “one of the best players in the world” and said no one in the Gunners squad can replace the England international.
Saka is expected to miss up to two months of action after undergoing hamstring surgery after picking up a problem in their 5-1 win over Crystal Palace earlier this month.
But Mikel Arteta's side have done well in his absence, recording three consecutive wins in the Premier League, the latest against Brentford on Wednesday.
That run of results has moved Arsenal to second in the table, six points behind leaders Liverpool, although Arne Slot's side still have a game in hand over the Gunners.
Arsenal's quality in the reserves has proven crucial in recent weeks, with Martinelli and compatriot Gabriel Jesus rediscovering their goalscoring touch at just the right time.
They both scored against the Bees, with Jesus canceling out Bryan Mbeumo's opener before Martinelli closed out the scoring after Mikel Merino had given the Gunners the lead.
Martinelli has now scored in three of his last four away games in the Premier League (three goals), more than his previous 26 appearances before that (two goals).
Jesus, meanwhile, has scored six goals in his last four Arsenal appearances in all competitions – the same as his previous 48 before that.
But despite his good form since Saka's injury, Martinelli said his teammate was among world football's elite.
“No one can replace him. He is one of the best players in the world. We trust ourselves and we will do our best for the club,” Martinelli told TNT Sports.
Martinelli has now scored six goals in 25 appearances in all competitions this season, just two short of his full tally from the 2023/2024 season.
The Brazilian played a starring role in Arsenal's title challenge two seasons ago, scoring 15 Premier League goals in 36 games, his best result since joining from Ituano in 2019.
While Martinelli praised his side for achieving their first away win at the top level after losing a goal since February 2023, he spoke about the difficulties he has faced in the last two years.
“I think the team did a great job today,” Martinelli added. “To come here and play the way we played is great.
“The most important thing is of course the three points, and we did that, but the most important thing was how we responded, and we did that.”
“I keep working and everyone at the club can tell how I work every day, not just me, but everyone. I don't give up and it's not easy playing for a big club like Arsenal.”
“Now I can score and I'm very happy. I want to keep scoring to help the team.”
After the match, Arteta was reserved in his assessment of whether Arsenal could catch Liverpool in their quest for the Premier League title.
Martinelli, meanwhile, had more confidence in his teammates, saying: “Yes, for sure, the previous two years were great. We didn't win the league, but we were out there fighting.”
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