Arsenal could only manage a 1-1 draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon.
The Gunners had a golden opportunity to put pressure on Liverpool in the Premier League title race with this fixture. As the Reds’ Merseyside derby clash with Everton was postponed due to bad weather, Arsenal had a chance to cut their lead down to four points with a win.
However, Mikel Arteta’s side failed to secure the three points they needed to manage this. Fulham defended well, but the North London club lacked cutting edge in the final third, particularly from open play.
William Saliba was able to prod home an equaliser from a corner in the second half, after Jakub Kiwior was blamed by Arsenal fans for allowing Fulham’s first half goal. Ultimately, though, the Gunners couldn’t complete the turnaround.
Arteta thought his side had won it late on, as Bukayo Saka found the back fo the net. However, a VAR review found that Gabriel Martinelli had strayed marginally offside in the build up and the goal was chalked off.
Arsenal fans slam Gabriel Martinelli after Fulham
Martinelli did not start this game, with Leandro Trossard having been given the nod on the left wing instead. The Brazilian winger was instead introduced to the fray in the second half as Arsenal were chasing a winner.
Martinelli’s offside offence was described as “criminal” by Paul Merson, as the winger was in a position to look along the Fulham defensive line and hold his position. It was certainly an example of poor positioning and decision-making on the 23-year-old’s part.
The 16-cap Brazil international has been in inconsistent form for some time, and his end product figures have been underwhelming.
For many Arsenal fans on X, Martinelli’s offside offence against Fulham was enough to destroy their faith in the player.
One said: “Martinelli really had me in a mini rant yesterday. I could see he was offside as the play was progressing leading to the Saka goal. I think it’s time to let go of him now, we need better.”
Another stated: “Honestly what can Martinelli do He can’t dribble He can’t beat his man He can’t cross He can’t keep one side.”
One supporter claimed: “Waiting for Martinelli to turn good has cost us this season. It’s not a confidence issue anymore the lad actually forgot how to play football. Sad state of affairs but he had to go, he’s holding back our attack and costing us crucial points now.”
Another added: “At this point, i don’t mind the club selling off martinelli in the summer & replacing him with reiss nelson.”
Should Mikel Arteta sell Martinelli?
There is no doubt that Martinelli is an exceptionally talented player with real potential. However, his unpredictable form is a problem for Arteta.
If the Gunners are to realise their dream of being crowned Premier League champions, then the manager needs attackers he can rely on.
Time is quickly running out for Martinelli to prove that he can consistently contribute at the highest level.
As he is a player with significant market value, the Gunners could also fetch a good price for Martinelli, which may make the prospect of cashing in on him even more tempting.
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