Mikel Arteta was impressed by the performance of Gabriel Martinelli in Arsenal’s 3-2 loss to Manchester United last night.
The Brazilian had earned a place in the starting XI after his goal-scoring performance off the bench in the previous game against Newcastle United.
Arsenal needed to beat United to break inside the top four, and Arteta felt he could trust the youngster.
Martinelli provided the assist for Martin Odegaard’s goal, and he was in fine form throughout the fixture.
He kept causing United’s defence problems and looked likely to score on several occasions.
After the game, Arteta praised him for his contributions in the fixture.
‘He looked a threat,’ Arteta said of Martinelli in his post-match press conference via The Daily Mail.
‘He had a big chance in the first half, and he probably should have played on.
‘He created assists, he worked extremely hard, and he had some really good moments – he looked a threat.’
Just Arsenal Opinion
It is good to see Martinelli finally get some trust and praise from Arteta.
The 20-year-old has been one of our favourite players to watch and most of us hope he can sustain his run in the team.
Arsenal will make attacking signings in the summer and Martinelli will be smart to use this campaign to prove he can still contribute to the team regardless of who is joining the club next.
Martinelli on the wing and ESR as the 10 seems better for the starting 11, but hey it’s just my opinion.
Makes me wonder why he wasn’t brought in sooner!! Better late than never, I guess
My view is that IF- which I do NOT think will be the case – MARTINELLI is left out at Everton ,in favour of Auba who has a desperate cate of idleitis and demotivation, (presumably caught from Ozil!!), I will join the army of critics on JA who constantly criticise MA and call for his head.
This unfair, unwise and plain silly constant picking of Auba and exclusion of the admirable and hard working Martinelli, which means we are playing effectively with ten men, MUST STOP RIGHT NOW!
Martinelli was really good against Utd, one of the very few but his problem is taking that into the next game and then the next after that. His biggest asset is his, he is capable of being a real pain at closing down and chomping at heels, he doesnt do it as often as he should.
“His biggest asset is his dogedness”