Pundit says Arsenal star who is an ‘absolute gem’ will score a lot of goals this season

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Adrian Clarke has revealed his belief that a maligned player in Arsenal’s squad will score ‘a load of goals’ this season.

The Gunners fought back from a goal down at home to Manchester City this weekend to secure a late point that keeps them within distance of leaders Liverpool.

Gabriel Martinelli flicked the ball over the head of Gianluigi Donnarumma in the 93rd minute, to send the Emirates crowd into raptures.

While many have criticised Arsenal’s display against City, Clarke has singled out one player who gives the North Londoners reason to be optimistic.

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Adrian Clarke says Gabriel Martinelli is going to score lots of goals this season

Martinelli struggled at the start of the season and has underwhelmed generally over the last couple of years.

However, the Brazilian appears to have rediscovered his touch somewhat in the last week or so, scoring away at Athletic Club in the Champions League and then netting a crucial equaliser against Manchester City.

Showing his worth off the bench in the last two games, this could be a role that suits him moving forward.

Martinelli’s greatest strength lies in making quick diagonal runs in behind the defence, and these are more effective late in games when the opposition starts tiring and loses concentration.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Adrian Clarke claimed that the 24-year-old winger will score ‘loads of goals’ if he continues to play this specific role.

“And we had another reminder, didn’t we, that Martinelli is an absolute gem when he comes off the bench,” Clarke said.

“I mean, he won’t want to be a sub, of course, he won’t, but when defenders are tiring and if he’s willing to go and take up positions that are really unusual inside and look to make those runs in behind, he’s going to get a load of these goals, isn’t he? He is a massive, massive threat.”

Gabriel Martinelli can now resurrect his Arsenal career

Martinelli promised so much as a youngster.

The Brazil international was exuberant and energetic, using his pace and runs to cause damage to the opposition frequently.

He’s somewhat lost his way in the last two seasons, but he now has a chance to rediscover his best form and get his career back on track.

As Clarke alluded to, he doesn’t need to be a regular starter, but can thrive as someone who comes off the bench and makes an impact late in games.

Martinelli struggles when he’s thrust out wide and forced to take on multiple players near the touchline.

However, when there is more space to exploit in the latter stages of matches, he can be lethal, as shown by the last two Arsenal matches.