Arsenal youngster Gabriel Martinelli impressed when coming off the bench to score against Newcastle, and he could well be in contention to start our next match against Manchester United.
The Brazilian came on to replace Bukayo Saka who had picked up an injury shortly after scoring the opening goal, and Gabi took no time to settle into the match as he scored a sublime volley with only his second touch of the ball.
It was a technical goal, one which took a strong mindset to figure out exactly what to do in the situation, whilst having to sprint into the box to latch onto Takehiro Tomiyasu’s ball.
His latest impression has only backed up previous fans wants of seeing him playing more regularly, and there could well be an opportunity for him this Thursday.
Saka is currently being assessed to figure out what went wrong with him at the weekend, and it remains to be seen whether he will be ready to make his return. Another player who could well be set to miss out is Martin Odegaard, who made his return to the starting line-up against Newcastle, only to disappoint once more.
Should Saka return, I would like to see Martinelli given a role in behind Auba, where the Norwegian was named to play this weekend, although Gabi is believed to prefer to play out wide.
I think he would be suited to playing as a second striker, a role that hasn’t been an option in north London for some time, and would love to see him get his chance to make it his own.
He has that pace and energy, that attacking guile, and can play the role of a shadow striker as opposed to an inside forward which he adopts when out on the wing.
Of course, there is always the chance that Lacazette could come back into the team also, which could well mean that the Frenchman will take Odegaard’s spot in the side. Depending on tests on Saka however, and I’m sure Martinelli would love to take up any role if called upon.
Did Martinelli do enough other than the goal to be considered to start on Thursday?
Patrick
He deserves a start, he can do everything Aubameyang does and more, Maybe if Aubameyang comes in as a sub, he’ll play and concentrate better,
Martinelli deserves to start, we need speed against bigger teams,
Auba has been very poor this season, that miss was unacceptable and I for one would start him on the subs bench, he isn’t the player that set the PL alive, he is a shadow of his former self. Man Utd were lucky against Chelsea and providing Arteta doesn’t a hissy fit on the touchline, we could get a result at Old Trafford
Marts on the right
Saka left
ESR middle
Auba still leading the line
That would be my thinking but I have doubts that Martinelli will start anyway so ….
I would rather have Lacazette upfront,Martinelli taking the 7role(right-wing) and Saka, hopefully, he is deemed fit for the match, takes the 11role(i.e leftwing). It is wrong to say Marty doesn’t deserve a start ahead of Auba for now. And starting him(Marty) centrally might be dangerous, considering the opponent we are facing. So, a leader is needed upfront and Lacazette is the first that comes to mind.
Seeing us getting 3points💪COYG!🔥
Good 👍
He deserves to get on that team ahead of ödegaard.