Gabriel Martinelli was named in the starting XI as Arsenal took on Lyon in the Emirates Cup on Sunday.
Arsenal signed off on their pre-season campaign in style with a comfortable 2-0 win over Lyon at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s side were out of the blocks quickly, and took the lead within ten minutes as William Saliba nodded home from a corner.
Gabriel Martinelli typified the Gunners’ eager start. The Brazilian winger had plenty of energy and intent about his play, though at times his lack of full fitness seemed to show and there were a handful of situations in which his decision-making in the final third was found wanting.
As the game went on, his influence faded.
Martinelli has a point to prove this season. The 23-year-old did not enjoy his finest campaign last time around, as he delivered a return of just 8 goals and 5 assists, across all competitions. In comparison with the 15 goals and 6 assists he racked up in the season prior, the drop off is clear.
Martinelli’s value has skyrocketed since he joined Arsenal, but there are growing concerns amongst Arsenal supports that his development may now be plateauing.
Arsenal fans give verdict on Gabriel Martinelli after Lyon win
Many Arsenal fans on X are starting to lose patience with Martinelli.
One supporter said: “He’s just not good enough.”
Another stated: “He was so poor last season especially. I said then he’d regressed as opposed to progressed, seen nothing pre season to change my mind.”
One fan claimed: “Martinelli stinker means we are signing a winger.”
Another added: “Arsenal need to be serious about Nico Williams now.”
Martinelli fighting for Arsenal future
Arteta will still have faith in Martinelli. It is normal for young players to endure fluctuations in form, and it is too early to write him off. However, he will need to get back to his best soon.
The margins at the top of the Premier League are so tight, the Gunners can’t afford to carry any passengers, no matter how talented they are or how successful they’ve been in the past.
Martinelli showed flashes of quality earlier in pre-season, but needs to start showing consistent progress quickly.
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