He failed to complete a single dribble, but Arsenal gem proved a point to Mikel Arteta vs Liverpool

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Arsenal’s 13-year wait without a win at Anfield in the Premier League extended on matchday 36 of the season. 

In a contest of two halves on Merseyside, Arsenal drew 2-2 with Liverpool, coming from two goals down. 

Humiliation was a source of the Gunners’ comeback, as it appeared that the feelings of giving Liverpool a guard of honour kicked in during the interval. 

The Reds carried a two-goal lead into half-time before Mikel Arteta’s side fought back, as Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino found the net to ensure the points were shared. 

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Gabriel Martinelli gave Mikel Arteta food for thought vs Liverpool

It was an eventful game for Merino, who was sent off shortly after scoring, collecting a second yellow card to pick up a suspension.

Arteta will have to find a solution to replace Merino for Arsenal’s clash with Newcastle United, and he might not need to look much further than his other goalscorer at Anfield. 

Arsenal fans were blown away by Martinelli’s performance, as despite it being statistically lacklustre, the Brazilian shone when occupying the number nine role.

As seen above, Martinelli completed only 13 passes during the contest and failed to attempt or complete a successful dribble, but that didn’t tell the full story of his display.

The winger’s movement in central areas caused Liverpool real problems, as seen when he scored an impressive header by finding a minuscule gap in the box to latch onto Leandro Trossard’s cross.

Having some pace and willingness to run in behind the defence gave Arsenal a new lease of life at Anfield, but will fans be treated to seeing Martinelli as a centre-forward again?

Martinelli’s record as a striker

Arteta has already commented on playing Martinelli as a striker, as back in December, the Arsenal manager insisted that he enjoys seeing the Brazil international play in the wide areas.

“He has played [as a striker] a few times. I think Gabi is so good when he’s got the line on his back and he’s facing forward, and he has got the goal in the diagonal.

“I haven’t thought too much about that (playing him as a striker). He’s so comfortable on the left side. I think I see other evolutions more than this one.” 

While Arteta appeared unlikely to be moved by Martinelli’s potential through the middle, the boss’s outlook might have changed at Anfield, and for good reason.

When looking at the 23-year-old’s record in the centre-forward role throughout his career, the feedback is rather impressive, having a 56% scoring rate when playing as a striker. 

If there was one bright spark from Arsenal’s draw with Liverpool, it was Martinelli, giving Arteta something to consider before the end of this season and beyond.