Arsenal fans have grown increasingly frustrated with Gabriel Martinelli’s performances this season, as the Brazilian winger continues to struggle for form. Once considered one of the brightest attacking prospects in the Premier League, Martinelli now finds himself under scrutiny due to his inability to deliver consistent contributions in the final third.
Entrusted as Arsenal’s first-choice left winger, Martinelli has failed to live up to expectations. Despite playing alongside some of the finest creative players in the league, the Brazilian has been unable to score regularly or make decisive contributions in attack. Even his decision-making has come into question, as he often fails to pick the right pass or take advantage of promising situations.
This sharp decline has left fans wondering whether Martinelli still has what it takes to be a key figure for a title-chasing side. His performances pale in comparison to Bukayo Saka, Arsenal’s star on the right wing. Saka continues to be the team’s most reliable attacking outlet, delivering top-notch displays and producing goals and assists whenever called upon. The England international has become the go-to player for his teammates, a stark contrast to Martinelli’s struggles on the opposite flank.
In Arsenal’s recent match against Everton, Martinelli had a clear opportunity to make a difference but showcased the same flaws that have plagued him all season. Positioned in an ideal spot to cut the ball back to a teammate, the Brazilian opted to shoot instead, only to miss the target. It was a clear example of his poor decision-making, which further fuelled fans’ frustrations.
According to Football Insider, many Arsenal supporters have now reached their breaking point. The report claims that fans are calling for the club to consider selling Martinelli, believing that his continued presence in the team could hinder Arsenal’s ability to compete for trophies.
While Martinelli’s decline may come as a surprise, his current form is not good enough for a team with title aspirations. Arsenal’s ambitions require every player to contribute consistently, and the Brazilian winger has been unable to meet that standard.
If Arsenal are serious about winning silverware, tough decisions may need to be made. Dropping Martinelli from the starting lineup—or even selling him—could be a necessary step toward maintaining the team’s competitive edge. Whether or not Arsenal will act on these growing concerns remains to be seen, but Martinelli must find his form quickly if he hopes to silence his critics and retain his place in the squad.
Martinelli used to deliver, when Xhaka, Tierney/Zinchenko played in a manner similar to what is happening on the right wing; where Saka is being supported by Odegaard, White/Timber. Bring back such support on the left wing and the lad will deliver. Rice, Havertz and Merino have not been much support for him.
It should not escape the club, that the left wing is dying and, Arsenal is being regarded as Saka/Odegaard functionality. Stop both and goals dry up!
Excellent point you make.
If Martinelli had the creativity and support Saka enjoys on the right, he could probably change his fortune around.
Imagine playing Saka on the left; no Odegaard, no fullback support, no nothing. Think he would continue to put up numbers, or think he would go the way of Martinelli and Trossard?
To pretend that all things are equal and blaming only the player is absurd.
Tactics have killed the left wing attack, and side for that matter. Doesn’t matter what LW you bring in, they will inevitably go the way of Martinelli and Trossard when starved of creativity and support.
Saying that Odegaard only support Saka on the right wing is absurd. As the article says, it’s Martinelli decision making that cost us. When he had the ball, he just failed to make the right decision. He needs extra hour(s) on training if he wants to reach full potential.
I don’t find it particularly creative to tear down the wing and make a diabolical cross at the end of all that exertion.
So why hasn’t MA addressed that situation SueP, if that’s the case?
I don’t see it like that at all, but agree with Durand.
I think back to Tierney and Xhaka combining with Martinelli and even Califiori, Partey and Martinelli and wonder why MA hasn’t seen why our left side has become weaker?
the summer recruitment of Calafiori and Merino was exactly aimed at addressing the left side under performance
Calafiori as a powerful, progressive, ball carrying left back, and Merino as the left side #8 of the 4-3-3
the fire power to get our left side to level of our right
the benefit being that with an equally dangerous left side then opponents can not
double up on Saka and Odegaard
while it hasn’t quite worked out that way due to injuries, suspensions, adapting to PL etc. to me it is clear the summer transfer priority was to strengthen the left side
so the steps have been taken by “MA to address that situation”
or head down running back to the half way line
Martinelli thrived 3 years ago when Arsenal was soft midtable material and every team felt they had a chance and had a go, that left space for his pace on the counter
now Arsenal are a good top table team many opponents drop XI behind the ball in a low block, e.g. Everton, Fulham, Man U etc, which means no free space for runs
what is obvious is a one dimensional ‘pace on the counter’ is completely nullified when no space, 2 years on Martinelli has not adapted and developed his game to this [no longer new] reality and just makes predictable head down pointless runs easily contained by opposition defenders, laughably predictable and easy
failure to adapt and develop his game to the reality is Martinelli’s weakness – that is why Martinelli is destined to be the new Tierney (if too cryptic, Tierney also could not adapt, develop and grow his game and has been left behind)
Martinelli is as well a unique talent,he just lucks the symetrical support saka has,saka has odgd,timbr,even party and yet martin resorts to defence sincerely u guys ur not fair
Ken1945
I wasn’t criticising Martinelli per se but pointing out that bombing down the wing and crossing to nobody in particular isn’t a successful strategy. Blame Arteta, but breaking away down the wing serves no purpose if the cross is either inaccurate or into a penalty area devoid of anyone to get on the end of it.
you are spot on. Its fair to note that Martinelli doesn’t have Saka and Odegaard on his side of the pitch, but Odegaard mostly plays through the middle. The attacking nexus goes to Saka’s side because he is much more productive. Btw, that also means Martinelli should have even more room to operate because as teams key in on Saka.
If someone wants to argue Martinelli doesnt get the same amount of service, that’s fair. But that could be because Martinelli is so inefficient converting the chances he does create. His side of the pitch is where counterattacks go to die. And all too often they die in the final third due to a poor decision or poor execution by Martinelli.