On Saturday, goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz weren’t enough to secure all three points against Aston Villa in what proved to be another significant blow to our title aspirations this campaign. Perhaps this match further confirms that this just isn’t going to be our year. As cheaply as we allowed them to get back into the game, there were still some positives to take from the performance. One of these was Leandro Trossard’s continued resurgence in form, as he provided two magnificent assists for our goals. Another positive, and the focus of this article, is that Gabriel Martinelli has now equalled his Premier League goal tally from last season.
The Brazilian has been a topic of debate among Gooners throughout the campaign, leading at times to harsh criticism directed his way. While much of this criticism is deserved given his performances this season, there’s no doubt that an upgrade will eventually be needed in his position. However, perhaps it’s time to dial down some of the negativity, particularly as he is now our second-highest goal scorer in the league. Additionally, we often overlook his incredible work rate. Martinelli is easily our best defensive winger, always willing to put in the hard yards to help out defensively.
This is by no means an article written to defend him—far from it. As much as I believe he’s a good winger, I just don’t see him reaching the levels we need. A replacement will likely be brought in sooner rather than later, which might be for the best.
Until then, we’ll have to hope he improves on last season’s goal contributions. Having already equalled last season’s tally, he’s likely to surpass it, but it remains to be seen whether this will help revive his Arsenal career.
Tell me, Gooners, do you fancy him finishing the campaign on a high?
BENJAMIN KENNETH
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Martinelli is certainly a great talent and was praised by no less a person than Klopp. However, it is his inconsistent performances that are a hurdle and if he continues to give good performances in terms of goals/assists, nothing like it. He has a tremendous work rate and runs hard for the team all game. Hope his goal against Villa sparks a resurgence and we see the real Martinelli, capable of creating havoc in the opposition defensive areas, scoring goals and assisting.
Something always to think about with Martinelli is although his decision making needs to improve along with his final ball at times, what’s never in doubt is his work rate.
But we need more than that alone, but in Martinelli’s defense I will say that Arteta’s system doesn’t help him that much to be honest.
I sometimes think that Arteta is so obsessed with players adapting to his system, that he forgets that trying to play to said player’s strengths need to be considered also. 😉👍
Just play Martinelli on the right wing, or better still, as a centre-forward.
Problem solved!
He’s a great talent that seems to have become a traditional scapegoat within the fanbase for some.
This article hughlights his contribution, not only this season, but previous ones as well.
He seems so much more natural on the right, where he gets the added assistance of Odegaard, Timber and Rice.
Along with others I have often asked why Martinelli and Saka haven’t been switched before, or even during games, as this would also see how productive the latter would be without that support.
I disagree with the author that Martinelli needs replacing, as we still haven’t seen the very best of this man – he reminds me of one George Armstrong in many ways and that’s a real compliment!!
Martinelli has not trained on and his football intelligence is bottom of the class. He nearly always makes the wrong decision, mainly because he plays with his head down. He hasn’t a clue what is going on around him, when he has the ball. His finishing is so bad and he misses far too many efforts. He is an Adama Traore clone. All bluster and very little impact. Shame because I thought he could be a super star at one point.