Iconic former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has now given his verdict on Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli.
Gabriel Martinelli has a tough job in the Arsenal team. The Brazilian winger is the first-choice starter on the left-flank, and often cuts an isolated figure in that part of the pitch.
Mikel Arteta looks to Martinelli to provide width for the team. The 22-year-old’s starting position usually sees him hugging the touchline. When he receives the ball, Martinelli generally endeavours to drive infield into a dangerous area or race to the byline to deliver a cross, all whilst opposition defenders converge upon him.
At his best, Martinelli can be a devastating presence in the final third. His pace, flair, and finishing ability make him a real weapon for the north London club.
However, Martinelli has struggled to impact matches so far this season. With 23 appearances now under his belt, across all competitions, he has just 4 goals and 3 assists to his name. Last season, the nine-cap Brazil international racked up 15 goals in the Premier League alone, and also chipped in with 6 assists, which shows just how far off the pace he has been this season.
Arsenal legend Ian Wright is desperate to see Martinelli get his spark back. However, it is hard for the player to shine, as the system Arteta uses offers him such little support.
Why is Gabriel Martinelli now struggling to shine for Arsenal?
Martinelli gets very little support from the Arsenal left-back – whoever it may be playing in that position – as they play an inverted role, shuffling into the middle of park, rather than raiding up the wing to overlap and combine with Martinelli.
Bukayo Saka, in contrast, gets far more support on the opposite flank. Ben White pushes up from right-back, whilst Martin Odegaard also habitually drifts out wide to the right.
Meanwhile, there has been inconsistency in the left-eight midfield position for Arsenal this season. The likes of Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, Fabio Vieira, and Leandro Trossard have all been used in the position, meaning Martinelli has not been given a chance to develop any real on-field chemistry with a regular starter in that role.
Jamie Carragher believes that Arteta’s chop-and-change approach to the left-eight role is hurting Martinelli. Speaking on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, he said, “I keep mentioning Martinelli because of the front four, he is really struggling.”
“They had Xhaka in that position last season, the fixed 8 on the left-hand side, Odegaard was to the right. This season, at times Trossard has played there, Declan Rice has played there, Havertz has played there. So, I don’t think that is helping Martinelli.”
Until Martinelli gets more support and consistency around him, he will likely continue to struggle and look short on confidence.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
