Gabriel Martinelli has been a recurring name throughout the summer, and more often than not, it has been for the wrong reasons. The Brazilian has been the subject of transfer speculation, with links to Saudi Arabia and several European clubs emerging in recent months. Everything has gone quiet, perhaps because there was never any serious interest to begin with, but many fans were, and still are, open to the idea of seeing him depart.
The winger has been a polarising figure over the last two seasons. More recently, many supporters have begun to label him an easy scapegoat. While it is hard to overlook his continued inconsistency and sub-par performances, some argue he is a victim of circumstance, particularly in the way Mikel Arteta sets up his team.
Left-side isolation limiting Martinelli
Arsenal’s right flank is far more fluid and dynamic than the left, with players who are technically excellent and have a strong understanding of each other’s roles. Bukayo Saka benefits from that support despite constant rough treatment from defenders. The presence of Martin Ødegaard and an overlapping full-back give him the platform to excel.
By contrast, Martinelli is often left isolated on the left, receiving limited help from Myles Lewis-Skelly, who tends to play conservatively, while Declan Rice’s box-to-box role reduces his ability to link up in attack.
The pre-season game against Athletic Club hinted at a possible tactical shift that could aid Martinelli. The use of a double pivot allowed Riccardo Calafiori to provide more support, and even though the Italian featured only in the first half, the difference was noticeable. The arrival of Viktor Gyökeres could also benefit him, with the Swede’s left-sided bias creating opportunities to rotate positions during games.
Martinelli registered an assist against Athletic Bilbao, which offered encouragement, but his overall performance still fell short. His display was further overshadowed by Noni Madueke, who replaced him at half-time and impressed.
Time running out for the Brazilian?
A quick comparison with Leandro Trossard shows the Belgian is more efficient on the left in similar circumstances, even if Martinelli contributes more work rate. Supporters have witnessed the steady decline of a player once tipped to surpass Saka, but the current gap between them is vast.
With continued links to Rodrygo and Eberechi Eze, and the arrival of Madueke, Martinelli faces a fight to keep his place. Increased competition may either push him to raise his level or further diminish his role in the team.
Do you think Gabriel Martinelli will up his game in the new campaign, or indeed if Arteta can unlock his potential?
Benjamin Kenneth
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May the battle begin and strangely enough it won’t really be primarily over Martinelli.
I can’t believe we fans still talk about the 22/23 season. That’s a long time ago now. Martinelli, in a possession-based team, lacks consistency, but in a heavily transition-based side, would impress. I have no doubt. I don’t believe he’s a scapegoat
If we had bought him from Chelsea people would want his head on a pike outside the ground. Hasn’t improved since our first title challenging season. Doesn’t even keep his head up whilst dribbling which is amateur level. If he lost a yard of a pace he would be completely obsolete
Martinelli could really benefit from a pause on the constant barrage of attacks from people who hold shallow biases and refuse to see his contributions at his age.
There’s no player who pushes defenses and keeps them as busy as Martinelli, regardless of where Saka’s stuttering form puts him in the game.
People must start paying real attention to who benefits from Havertz’s inclusion in any game. We can’t depend on prayer for him to score.
Martinelli would benefit from looking up when he is running with the ball. He has the pace and the skill to be able to do this sublimely but frustrates you when watching him play…
Martinelli is a number 9 back up to
Victor G , think about it he will have the same left sided bias and easily as much speed!
Just imagine what he would do to Center Backs who aren’t always as swift as the outside backs he could destroy them and fast break through the middle with the best of them like a Vardy type forward same body type … it could happen!
Martinelli is a very talented player. He plays according to the system. His hardwork should not be overlooked. His defensive contribution sometimes impact his final output having expended much energy, and most of the time doesn’t enjoy the kind of support Saka gets on the right- odegaard, white/.
He still has a lot to learn considering his young age. One thing we can’t fault him for is the effort he puts in.
His style of play is dictated by the coaches system.
@Jay
This right here…☝🏾
Scapegoat or weakest link?
Scapegoat? No, he just has to produce or, he isn’t good enough? Take your pick. Last season he was just not good enough. Why is that Scapegoating?
Often isolated , makes a lot of runs but gets ignored I often wonder how many critics go to matches and actually can see the whole pitch or do they only see what the TV shows . If you look at the Bilbao match about 30 minutes he was in a similar position to where he was for Saka’s goal . One pass inside the defender and he was clear through but Odegaard turned away and passed it to Saka ,Either he isnt used correctly or Odegaard doesn’t trust him
Sadly I think he needs a change of club. Arteta has given him every chance to succeed over the past few years and, quite frankly, there has been little or no progression. Pacy, good with the ball but no cutting edge, the complete opposite of Saka. Eze could make the difference if we can somehow get him to join us this window. Maybe a swap deal?
Love Martinelli but he has struggled the last 2 seasons and the system we play in has shifted away from what maximizes his output. Emotionally you still wanna see him bounce back but top clubs are ruthless and very successful at selling players at the right moment. Liverpool or MCity would have sold him for 80m when shifting to a different setup for a winger who is more compatible. We are still behind in this aspect.
Martinelli is one of our best players. He is even more reliable than much hyped Saka. We’ve never beaten Man City with Saka or any left footer on the right of attack, however, with Martinelli there last season, we pummelled them 5-1!
Arteta’s infatuation for mostly left footed players is rapidly killing the club and Martinelli in Particular. If Gyokeres is flanked with Martinelli and Nelson, Arsenal will completely destroy teams. Season before last against Nottingham Forest, Saka was injured in the 26th minutes and right footed Nelson came in. We scored four goals, but Arteta refused to start him with the main team again. Martinelli is suffering the same plight.
One thing is for sure if martinelli don’t get sold this season and he doesn’t step up his game which I doubt he will (like someone said earlier he doesn’t raise up his head while dribbling which is amateur level)” then he is leahing next season. Him and arteta have this season to save themselves although arteta deserves to remain in this club this season but martinelli should have been sold since last season
One thing is for sure if martinelli don’t get sold this season and he doesn’t step up his game which I doubt he will (like someone said earlier he doesn’t raise up his head while dribbling which is amateur level)” then he is leaving next season. Him and arteta have this season to save themselves although arteta deserves to remain in this club this season but martinelli should have been sold since last season
Martinelli’s problem is poor decision making. When to pass, when to change direction, when to hold up play. Football is not all about pace alone. If he works on this,cthe boy can become a star.