Arsenal were able to record a 5-1 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday, but it came at a cost.
Whilst Mikel Arteta will be delighted with the performance that his Arsenal side produced at Selhurst Park, the Spanish coach will now be preoccupied with the wellbeing of Bukayo Saka.
Arsenal winger Saka sustained an injury in the first half against the Eagles, and needed to be taken off.
Whilst it is unclear at this stage how serious the 23-year-old’s condition is, it was an ominous sign to see him clutching his hamstring before being replaced by Leandro Trossard.
Trossard took up a place on the left flank, with Gabriel Martinelli moving across to replace Saka on the right.
Arsenal fans debate Gabriel Martinelli vs new signing after Bukayo Saka injury
Whilst Saka will always be a big miss for the Gunners, Martinelli did an excellent job against the South London club.
As he was able to take on his full-back on the outside, whilst remaining on his stronger right foot, the Brazilian was able to deliver a number of dangerous crosses into the box.
He also consistently attacked the penalty area to take up threatening positions. Martinelli was rewarded for this as he grabbed a goal late on.
Plenty of Arsenal fans on X are now insisting that they have seen enough from Martinelli for him to be handed the right-wing berth for however long Saka is absent for.
One said: “Maybe Martinelli was the RW Saka backup all along, funny that. Brilliant out there tonight.”
Another claimed: “Always liked Martinelli on the right. Hopefully he can play like that until Saka is back.”
One added: “Btw if Saka is actually injured, I want Martinelli to be playing that RW spot. Was incredible there today.”
However, other supporters of the North London club are now adamant that a new signing is needed in the upcoming January transfer window in order to cope with the loss of Saka.
One stated: “We needed a forward in January anyway, but with Saka now injured it’s an absolute must. The club cannot fail to sign one this time.”
Another chipped in with: “All smiles bar Saka. Looks really bad. We need to look at Isak or Kudus in January. No excuses.”
One Arsenal fan said: “This Saka injury is spinning me man. Could’ve bought forwards to help him over the last few years but we been loading up on defenders.”
Why Mikel Arteta must now show full faith in Martinelli
A panic buy in response to an injury to Saka is not a wise long-term plan. Even if the Hale End academy graduate is set to be out of action for a significant spell, Arteta must be pragmatic.
With Jesus now in form, and having played on the right plenty of times before, he is a viable option in that part of the pitch. Ethan Nwaneri can also offer cover there.
However, Martinelli is well-suited to the role, excelled in the position against Crystal Palace, and needs to be given the opportunity to step up following this injury blow.
Martinelli has come under fire from Arsenal fans recently, and needs to prove his worth at the Emirates Stadium this season. He must see that his time is now, and he cannot afford to let this opportunity to pass him by.
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