Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli had another difficult night as the Gunners drew 0-0 with Atalanta.
Mikel Arteta’s side kicked off their 2024/25 Champions League campaign with a stalemate in Bergamo, as Arsenal were unable to get the better of Atalanta.
The 2024 Europa League winners were in top form, proving difficult for the Gunners to break down and vice versa.
Early into the second half, it seemed as though the deadlock would be broken as Thomas Partey conceded a penalty, seeing Mateo Retegui step up to attempt to open the scoring.
David Raya had different ideas and pulled off a magnificent double save to act as Arsenal’s hero on a night where so many disappointed.
Declan Rice shows support for Gabriel Martinelli after Atalanta draw
Gabriel Martinelli had another troubling night for Arsenal, as the Brazilian continues to hunt for form after a lacklustre 2023/24 campaign.
This season is starting similarly to the last for the winger, whose form did not improve against Atalanta.
Speaking after the game, Arsenal icon Martin Keown asked Declan Rice how Martinelli is being supported by the squad at a difficult point in his career, via TNT Sports.
“One thing with Gabi is that he’s quiet but he’s so tenacious,” Rice explained.
“You see him in training, he’s always trying to get himself into the right areas, he wants it, he would’ve wanted to do better with the chance he’s had tonight.”
The Brazil international missed a great chance to put Arsenal ahead in the final quarter which would have been a goal that stood for more than just breaking the deadlock.
It’s been 17 games since Martinelli last scored, which is something Rice revealed the winger is desperate to change, starting in training.
“In training every day he’s working after training with our attacking coach, cutting balls across the edge of the box, scoring goals.
“I’m sure it’s going to come from him, we really need him, he’s a massive player.”
Martinelli needs a goal soon for Arsenal
Fans became accustomed to Martinelli operating as one of Arsenal’s best performers during the 2022/23 campaign however, many have not seen a lot since from the forward.
It’s been a trialling year for the 23-year-old, who has been searching for form for some time now in Arteta’s squad.
- READ MORE: Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli shares honest verdict on his own performance vs Tottenham
The manager has already indicated that he is prepared to drop Martinelli to the bench if required although, Arsenal’s overall weakness on the left side of attack is then exposed.
Scoring against Atalanta could have been a season-changing instance for the Brazilian, who is crying out for a confidence spurring moment.
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