Martinelli shows why he must start in Gunners’ crucial tie against Slavia Prague
Arsenal cruised past Sheffield United, with Gabriel Martinelli being one of the better players. The Brazilian was a livewire on the left-wing, constantly threating the right side of The Blades’s defense.
The clamour for the Brazilian teenager seemed to be growing every week, due to Mikel Arteta’s preference to go with more experienced players.
However, a drab loss against fellow Premier League side Liverpool and then an uninspiring draw against Slavia Prague in the Europa League finally prompted a change of heart from the Arsenal manager.
Mikel Arteta unleashed a very attacking side featuring the likes of Bukayo Saka, Alexander Lacazette, Nicolas Pepe and Gabriel Martinelli.
The front four were superb in cutting through Paul Heckingbottom’s squad at the Bramall Lane. Pepe and Martinelli brought what had been missing in the Gunners’ squad in the games against Liverpool and Slavia: passion.
In particular, the 19-year-old was always trying to make something happen, which has not been the case with Arsenal’s other wingers such as Willian and Nicolas Pepe often.
When out of possession, Martinelli helped Granit Xhaka defensively to a great extent, who was playing in an unorthodox position of a defensive left-back.
https://twitter.com/Squawka/status/1381338964150341632
Arsenal dominated the whole first half, and then continued being a nuisance to the United’s defense by scoring in the 71st and the 85th minute.
Moving the attention back to the midweek Europa League clash, Arteta must make sure that there is no room for any error in Prague.
The last match was the perfect way to prepare for that crucial skirmish. A lot of things which were seen today would definitely come handy against the league leaders and current champions of Czech Republic.
Arteta has been constantly calling for patience with Martinelli from the Arsenal faithful. But the game against Slavia Prague might be the best opportunity to take off the shackles.
And who is better on that aspect than Martinelli?
Two big plusses with Martinelli. If he starts he’s one of those instrumental in encouraging a high tempo, so hopefully we don’t just p*ss away the first half like we do so often. And he SHOOTS from outside the area. I’m fed up with this obsession to walk the ball into the net. Nice when it works but we miss so many other earlier opportunities by never taking a pop.
Really hope this ankle is not going to be a recurring problem though.
The only acceptable reason for we not seeing Martinelli more often should be to handle his injury.
Any other reason, I disagree with it. I don’t care if I am not the manager.
We supporters have views too.
Martinelli is good at pressing from the attack. He even knows how to hold the ball up. He scores goals too.
He’s also good in aerial duels.. We all know if our young guns that maintained a 100 percent Europa group stage record were integrated into the first team earlier, we probably be fighting for top 4…
Look at solksjaer, pep even klopp or Real Madrid, Ajax, AC Milan,bayern,dortmund,leipzig even psg I remember a certain ansu fati,pedri carrying a Barça team with underperforming senior players…
I hope balogun (our own in-house solution to our obvious scoring issues) and Azeez(a confident midfielder to support partey, Xhaka) get their chances too soon..
For defence, all we need is a backup for Tierney, mavropanos, saliba, Gabriel, holding are good enough
Agreed with Bologun, Azeez, Saliba, Dino but what about Matteo?? Should he be given another chance?
Sign Bissouma to that midfield
While I have no wish to temper your enthusiasm Yash I think you have been a bit lavish in your praise of certain players including Martinelli.To use the word “superb” in the context of a win against a side which has been going down for some time, is rather over the top, but the fact that we won and kept a clean sheet for the first time in ages is of course very welcome.Martinelli did well, and many fans, myself included will be very annoyed with our Manager if he does not start on Thursday.
I like the way Martinelli was direct and urgent in attack. Pepe is getting better and better, and Lacazette has found form. I think those 3 should start in Prague to get us that away goal ASAP.
Martinelli is a very good attacking option since auba has loss form, i hope arteta start him on thursday.
This young man always puts a great shift in, he is full of energy, fight and commitment and he is not afraid to let one go at the opposing goal keeper. thumbs up from me!!!!!!!
Great potential and happy he got this first goal in 16 months. Both he and Auba have a part to play as his quality in big games is undeniable. And the youthful zest of Martinelli can unnerve Slavia from the outset.
AFC vs Slavia Prague.
Martinelli – CF
Laca – 10
PEA – LW
Pepe – RW
Let’s go
Last game Saka was excellent as No 10. He can do it again with whoever else is picked. He is pure quality. Need everyone ready to contribute. Odegaard, Smith-Rowe, Auba who ever comes can make the difference. Mari maybe worth another start.
COYG!!