Steve Sidwell was impressed by the work rate of Gabriel Martinelli in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Southampton this afternoon.
The attacker has been a key player for the club this season, but we are used to seeing him easily attack opponents.
One side of his game that seems developed but underappreciated is his defending.
Against the Saints, he ran back a few times to help his defensive teammates in their efforts to keep the score down.
On one occasion, Sidwell was impressed and he said on BBC Radio 5 Live:
“Excellent tracking back from Martinelli.
“He’s not scared of doing the hard yards at all.”
Just Arsenal Opinion
Martinelli’s game has matured this season and the attacker has shown how improved he has been in recent games.
The Brazilian has been a key contributor in the games we have won so far and it is great to see that he does not neglect his defensive duties.
To achieve success, every player must contribute to the attack and defence and Martinelli seems to understand this.
We need him to become more productive at the other end of the pitch. If he was more potent today, we could have been two goals up before Soton equalised.
CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, please contact us through this link…
Mikel Arteta talking about a tough day in Southampton!…
Please enjoy, watch and subscribe to JustArsenalVids
Gabriel individual perfomance was outstanding as we come to expect, and he is developing to a next level looking lethal bearing down on goal.
But as a front three they were disjointed and lock that intensity, they will be a different proposition if given that needed break when they face Forest’s next weekend.
Individually Arsenals best player, for me anyway ,the way he carries the ball is improving all the time ,if anything his defensive work as calmed down a touch from previous seasons and he seems more controlled in how he goes about it .
I said earlier I thought It was a strange decision to take him off unless OFC he picked up a knock because he was the only one uptop making things happen .
Dan Kit, I also think we should prioritize extending his contract next to have that ripple effect on the other youngsters to sign