Gabriel Martinelli was able to get on the scoresheet as Arsenal completed a comeback to beat Brentford on Wednesday evening.
Gabriel Martinelli has not had a perfect season for Arsenal so far, but was able to deliver for the Gunners at the Gtech Community Stadium on New Year’s Day.
This was a must win game for Arsenal, who can scarcely afford to drop any more points this season with Liverpool already in a commanding position in the Premier League title race.
The North London club’s task of reeling in the Reds has now been made all the more difficult by the number of players that Mikel Arteta has absent due to injury.
The most major loss is that of Bukayo Saka, who is set for a significant spell on the sidelines after having undergone surgery recently. He is joined on the treatment table by the likes of Ben White, Raheem Sterling, and Takehiro Tomyasu.
Fortunately, Kai Havertz is expected to recover from illness in time to face Brighton on Saturday.
Gabriel Martinelli hails injured Arsenal star Bukayo Saka
In the meantime, the Gunners have been given another boost by the recent form of Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian forward struck again against the Bees, taking his tally to six goals in his last four games.
There is pressure on Jesus and Martinelli to consistently deliver in front of goal now that Saka is not available for selection.
Martinelli spoke about the prospect of replacing Saka to TNT Sports after the win over Brentford.
He said: “No one can replace him, he’s one of the best players in the world. But we know our potential and we know the team that we have. We trust in ourselves and we are going to try our best for the club and for B as well, I’m sure he is happy with the result.”
Arsenal attacking transfer targets for January
Whilst Arsenal have managed to cope well enough without Saka so far, Martin Keown expects Arteta to make signings in January to help his side.
Arsenal are targeting a number of attackers, with the likes of Nico Williams, Alexander Isak, and Benjamin Sesko, amongst others, on the Gunners’ shortlist.
Arsenal fans want Arteta to sign Bryan Mbeumo, after the Brentford forward impressed for the Bees on New Year’s Day, even netting against the Gunners early on to put the hosts ahead.
However, whilst Saka’s injury is certainly a huge blow, it cannot tempt Arteta into making any kind of panic signing. Any player brought to the Emirates Stadium on a permanent basis this month must arrive as part of a long-term plan.
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