Arsenal were really poor against Wolves, but they still managed to win the game.
The Gunners needed to bounce back in the Premier League after losing to Aston Villa in their previous fixture, but they were nowhere near the level required.
Arsenal didn’t even have a shot on target in the first half, which was the first time that happened at the Emirates in over a year.
Mikel Arteta was relieved that his side won the game in the end, but he was far from happy with the performance.
One player seems to have irked him more than anyone else – Gabriel Martinelli.
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Mikel Arteta repeatedly points out Gabriel Martinelli’s mistake vs Wolves
Martinelli set a new Arsenal record midweek against Club Brugge after scoring in his fifth consecutive Champions League game.
That is perhaps why the Brazil international kept his place in the side against Wolves, but he was far from his best on the left wing.
Like always, most of Arsenal’s attacks came from the right, and every time Martinelli got the ball on his side, he was well-marked.
The former Ituano man barely got into dangerous positions after receiving possession on the left, but he did get on the end of a huge chance.
During a corner, Martinelli had a free header from near point-blank range, but he completely missed the target.
Arteta had his head in his hands after seeing that. He didn’t forget about the miss after the game either as he repeatedly mentioned it in his post-match media duties.
Firstly, while speaking to TNT Sports, he said: “We had a lot of situations in the first half. One massive, big chance, Gabriel Martinelli, two yards out, totally free, and we don’t score.”
Then, in his post-match press conference, Arteta added, as relayed on HaytersTV: “When you have a free header, one metre, we normally put the ball, not on target, but in the goal. And we put it out. And time and time and time again. It is frustrating, yeah, but this is the game.”
Finally, while speaking to Arsenal’s media team, he said: “We missed a massive clear chance with Gabi two yards away, which should have been a goal.”
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Gabriel Martinelli’s problem at Arsenal is clear
Martinelli is a tremendous footballer; there is no debate there.
The Brazilian, on his day, can win games on his own, and he has scored against some huge teams over the years. Even this season, Martinelli has found the net against Manchester City, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich.
However, the problem with the attacker is that he struggles against low blocks. When there is no space to run in behind, he is just not the same player.
That is why his record in the Champions League this season – five goals in five games – is significantly better than his return of one goal in 12 in the Premier League.
For that reason, unless Arsenal are facing a team that presses high and leaves space behind, Martinelli should not be starting.
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