The left side of Arsenal’s pitch has caused a few problems this season.
The Gunners signed Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino in the summer to bolster their left-hand side. On paper, both of those players were going to be game-changers for Arsenal.
However, both Calafiori and Merino have had injury issues since joining the Gunners, and that has affected Arsenal’s fluidity.
Gabriel Martinelli has suffered because of that, as has Leandro Trossard when he plays on the left flank.
Paul Merson has a solution for Arsenal’s left-wing problem
Most of Arsenal’s attacks come down the right wing.
The Gunners love passing the ball to Martin Odegaard, who then combines with Bukayo Saka to wreak havoc on the opposition’s left side.
That has worked incredibly well for large parts over the last two seasons, but Arsenal have become so predictable now that teams are tripling up on Saka on the right flank.
Arsenal need more from the left side of their pitch, but for one reason or another, things have not been working out for Martinelli or Trossard.
Paul Merson thinks there is one solution – Raheem Sterling.
He said on Sportskeeda: “Arsenal have to sort that side out where Gabriel Martinelli plays, they have a problem there and need a solution.
“Raheem Sterling looks most comfortable when he plays where Bukayo Saka plays, but you can’t keep the latter out of the team or switch his preferred position, no chance!
“Martinelli is getting a bit too predictable now and Arsenal must change it up on that side. Leandro Trossard is an option but when I look at him, I think he’s more suited to come off the bench.
“So I’d actually give Sterling a chance on that side.”
Gabriel Martinelli is not the problem – his teammates need to do one thing better
Martinelli will be the first one to admit that he has not been at his best for a while now, but he’s not the only one to blame for the problems on the left wing.
Yes, the Brazilian should be doing better against full-backs like Ashley Young, but his teammates aren’t making things easier for him.
Martinelli rarely ever gets the ball when he’s free or can run in behind the defence. Most of the time, he receives a pass when his back is facing the goal.
Arsenal players need to move the ball quicker towards Martinelli to give him the best chance of having an impact in the final third. The more this is done, the more confident he will be.
Playing Sterling on the left is not a bad idea, but if Arsenal don’t pass the ball to him in space, he’ll have the same problems as Martinelli.
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