Arsenal suffered a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in Hong Kong.
The first-ever North London Derby outside the United Kingdom took place at the Kai Tak Sports Centre on Thursday, and it was an interesting watch.
Mikel Arteta left Viktor Gyokeres on the bench, but many other key Arsenal stars started the game.
Declan Rice was one of them, and the England international should’ve done better at one moment in the first half.
Declan Rice apologises after missing a pass to Gabriel Martinelli during Arsenal vs Tottenham
Declan Rice started in his usual left-sided number eight role, with Gabriel Martinelli getting the nod on the same flank.
The two players had contrasting campaigns last season.
Rice was one of the best players in the Premier League, but Martinelli has struggled with form, injuries and consistency over the last two years.
The Brazilian hasn’t looked the same since Granit Xhaka left the club, but he found himself in a great position to score against Tottenham in Hong Kong.
Martinelli took up a central position inside the box, with Rice getting the ball on the left. The Englishman could’ve set up the Gunners’ number 11 for a tap-in, but his attempt deflected behind for a corner.
Martinelli was disappointed and threw his hands in the air as he ran into the goal. Rice saw him and apologetically raised his hands in the Brazil international’s direction.
Mikel Arteta must change Gabriel Martinelli’s position
Martinelli didn’t have a great game against Tottenham.
The 24-year-old got on the ball well, but he struggled to beat his man and have a meaningful impact in the final third.
The only moment of the game when the former Ituano star looked dangerous was when he found himself in a striker’s position inside the box.
Martinelli was brilliant as a striker against Liverpool late last season as well, and some of his best performances in his debut campaign came through the middle.
With Gyokeres available, Arsenal don’t need another striker, but we think Martinelli should get more minutes through the middle whenever possible.
It’s just not happening for him on the left flank.
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