Twice in the past week, Gabriel Martinelli has been Arsenal’s saviour.
The Brazilian scored the opener vs Athletic Club in the Champions League last week, while he netted a late equaliser against Manchester City on Sunday.
Gabriel Martinelli is in good form right now, and conventional wisdom suggests that he could be due a run in the starting XI.
However, according to Ian Wright, speaking on The Weekend Wrap, Gabriel Martinelli may have inadvertently condemned himself to more time on the bench.
Indeed, with Mikel Arteta now referring to substitutes as ‘finishers’, Wright is concerned that Martinelli may have typecast himself into the role of super sub.
Gabriel Martinelli may be set for super sub role
Wright spoke about Martinelli after his two goals.
The pundit reckons the winger may now be typecast into this ‘finisher’ role, meaning that he could be set to be on the bench for the vast majority of Arsenal’s upcoming games.
“You’re still a substitute, and you have to come and try to save the team again. You want to be on the pitch starting games,” Wright said.
“What will happen now? Is he going to get typecast now? Because he’s done it in the Champions League and another big game against a big team, you think now when will I get my chance to be a starter?”
Gabriel Martinelli may work best as a ‘finisher’
Wright says Martinelli has caused himself a problem by being put into this role, but, the reality is, there is some logic behind this idea.
Indeed, if there’s any player in this Arsenal team that is suited to coming on against tired legs, it’s Martinelli.
The Brazilian is absolutely rapid and full of energy, and any defence would struggle against Martinelli late in a game.
It may be frustrating for Martinelli to be in this role, but if that’s what’s best for Arsenal, Mikel Arteta should have no reservations around using the winger in this fashion.
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