Arsenal fans say Carlo Ancelotti has just shown Mikel Arteta Gabriel Martinelli’s best position vs Japan

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Gabriel Martinelli scored a stoppage-time winner to send Brazil into the World Cup Round of 16, but his role in the win has Arsenal fans talking.

The Brazilian winger came off the bench and netted the winner for Selecao in the 95th minute at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.

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Brazil were far from their best during the 90 minutes; however, they did just enough to get past a strong Japanese team.

But they were made to work for the win, with Martinelli coming off the bench to make the difference for the five-time world champions.

Arsenal loved Gabriel Martinelli’s role vs Japan

Arsenal were so impressed by Gabriel Martinelli’s performance in a left-sided number eight role against Japan.

The 25-year-old was introduced after 66 minutes, replacing Manchester United’s Matheus Cunha in the midfield.

With Vinicius Jr on the left for Brazil, it will be tricky for Martinelli to get much of a look-in; however, he might have just found his role in this squad.

The Arsenal attacker seemed to prefer playing in a more central role for Brazil and found himself in a dangerous area inside the penalty are for the goal.

After his winning goal, Arsenal fans have called for Mikel Arteta to use him more centrally next season if he stays at the Emirates Stadium.

• “Martinelli is a player who benefits from being closer to the goal. Playing him more centrally as a number nine or even as a left number eight at times makes sense. His movement and finishing is better than he’s often given credit for. Could be a role Arsenal explore more.”
• “Martinelli in the left number eight 8 role… Not only did he score the winner from a central position, but he also changed the flow of the game with his reliable defensive output in place of Cunha in midfield when the game was a little too end-to-end.”
• “Ancelotti has consistently used Martinelli as a left number eight throughout the World Cup. Interesting.”
• “People were questioning Don Carlo on why he’s playing Martinelli as a number eight. You have your answer.”
• “Ancelotti using Martinelli as an eight is just brilliant. Martinelli in the box is a finisher. Arteta has to be flexible next season and try him in CF positions.”

Martinelli could leave Arsenal this summer, with Andrea Berta looking to sign an elite left winger.

The winger has struggled to establish himself in the team over recent seasons and could now be sacrificed to make room for a new winger.