Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli is suffering from a drop in confidence, and this was clear in his side’s North London derby victory at Tottenham Hotspur.
Martinelli worked hard to cover defensively, and his overall performance was fairly solid, but he was found wanting when presented with a golden opportunity.
Leandro Trossard played the winger through on goal in the first half, and Bukayo Saka was also making an inside run to be available to tap in.
However, Martinelli fired a tame shot straight at Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, much to the frustration of himself and his team.
The Brazilian is aiming to recover from a difficult campaign he endured last season, which saw him struggle with injuries and form, but with Arsenal travelling to face Manchester City in their next Premier League game, there is little room for error in front of goal.
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has now claimed that whilst he understands Martinelli’s frustration, he needs to make a change in his play if he starts at the Etihad Stadium.
Ian Wright explains Gabriel Martinelli frustration
Speaking on the Wrighty’s House Podcast, Wright claimed that Martinelli’s frustration may be stemming from his battle for a starting spot with Trossard.
“This is why Gabi (Martinelli), again, his mindset at the moment for me is one of, because Trossard’s going to play, and he doesn’t know if he’s going to play, he feels like he has to prove something,” Wright explained.
“He’s playing with that ‘I need to get my chance, I need to take it so people can say ‘yeah we can’t forget Gabi,’ whereas he’s just got to do what he does in getting past people, get the ball across.
“IF we score a goal, everything settles down and then we may be able to create something else, get that first goal because the wins now are so important when Arsenal get those opportunities.”
Ian Wright wants Gabriel Martinelli to focus on helping Arsenal as a team
Whilst a goal would be a major boost for Martinelli’s confidence, Wright has called for the 23-year-old to be willing to pass instead of shooting if he finds himself in a similar situation against Man City.
“Going back to that chance, when Gabi should have maybe squared it to Saka. I just want – if that happens again next week, I just want him to understand it’s a long season, we’re four games in, you’ll get your goals,” Wright added.
“I know you’re probably worried about your position in the team because other players are playing very well, and you feel you have to prove something in your mind in scoring a goal, but I think an assist in this situation is just as important so [the team] can get it done.”
Martinelli is a top-class winger when at his best, and over the course of the season he will hope to find his best form in front of goal, but if he plays a selfless role against Man City, and continues to work hard defensively, he could help Arsenal win even without getting on the scoresheet.
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