Time is now running out for Arsenal star who had fewer touches than David Raya in Newcastle defeat

Add as preferred source on Google

Mikel Arteta has a lot of questions to answer after Arsenal’s defeat to Newcastle United on match day 10.

After 10 games played in the Premier League, the Gunners have a win percentage of just 50%, pushing them seven points behind leaders Liverpool.

Saturday’s defeat to Newcastle marked Arsenal’s third game without a win in the league, following on from losing to Bournemouth and drawing against Liverpool. 

In the North East, Arteta must have realised that he has a lot to solve in his squad, with the narrative at St James’ Park being that the visitors were simply undeserving of a result. 

• READ MORE: One Mikel Arteta decision in Arsenal defeat to Newcastle shows why the transfer window was a failure

Gabriel Martinelli struggled for Arsenal vs Newcastle United

What was seen on the pitch on match day 10 was lacklustre and far from the level expected of a team hopeful of challenging for the title.

Arteta deserves some blame for the defeat however, the manager was not helped by some particularly poor performers.

After scoring against Leicester City and Southampton, there was hope that Gabriel Martinelli was moving away from his spell of disappointing form but, Newcastle was another reminder that this is not the case. 

The winger missed a crucial chance to score against Bournemouth and was then largely ineffective against Liverpool, with his display not improving at St James’ Park. 

As seen above, it was an afternoon to forget for Martinelli in the North East, recording only 33 touches on the ball, which was fewer than goalkeeper David Raya who had 37.

The Brazil international also completed fewer passes than his teammate between the posts, reinforcing what a dismal day it was for the 23-year-old.

Time is running out for Martinelli

Martinelli set the Emirates alight over the 2022/23 campaign, scoring freely and marking his name as one of the most threatening wide players in the league. 

• READ MORE: Mikel Arteta has still not learned important lesson from last year, three mistakes in Arsenal defeat prove it

Last season was concerning for the winger and it seems as though he’s still quite a distance from being at his very best on the left flank.

It’s difficult for Martinelli, as seeing the forward performing at a level below his best has become routine, something that Arteta has to continue to address, whether it be through persistence or rotation. 

There’s plenty of upcoming talent that would relish the opportunity to thrive in the place of a player whose form is questionable, with pressure needing to be put on those in the starting XI to raise the bar.