Mikel Arteta has finally found the Arsenal star to unleash Gabriel Martinelli
For the first time since March, Gabriel Martinelli scored a goal for Arsenal. The Brazil international has endured a challenging 2024 with just nine Premier League goal contributions this year to his name which has often seen his minutes reduced to cameos from the bench.
Injuries have seen Martinelli start the last three Premier League games with his first assist of the season arriving against Manchester City. The following Saturday, Martinelli was in fine form as he opened the scoring against Leicester City before then setting up Leandro Trossard for Arsenal's second.
As the Gunners searched for a winner, following the Foxes' impressive comeback, Martinelli was withdrawn but it was still a performance to be proud of with Arsenal going to secure the three points. Following the game, Declan Rice was full of praise for his teammates display.
“A goal, assist, probably two more chances he had, and he works every day in training on these type of chances, these runs, these finishes,” he told football.london. “It was only a matter of time before he got back on the scoresheet, so I am delighted for him.”
Exactly what has allowed Martinelli to thrive over the last few weeks may appear unclear, though Arsenal fans have a theory in place. On social media following the game, summer signing Riccardo Calafiori, who has started the last two Premier League games, was praised heavily for helping Martinelli go back to what he does best.
Having a natural left-footer that is very dominant in build up play has allowed Martinelli to occupy different zones. With Calafiori also hugging the touchline, the 23-year-old has been able drift centrally, though they often switch places which makes it very hard to mark either.
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Last season, it was often Oleksandr Zinchenko or Takehiro Tomiyasu deployed at left-back with Martinelli impacted by the Ukraine international inverting and the latter being right-footed. Jurrien Timber was also utilised in the position but has switched flanks following the injury to Ben White.
That tactical shift and the absence of Martin Odegaard has seen Bukayo Saka's influence waiver and yet he is still performing at an elite level. If Arsenal are unable to attack down the right, switching the play to Martinelli's side now seems just as dangerous for opponents.
Though the absence of Odegaard and White is a blow, Mikel Merino is also expected to make his debut soon with a regular spot in the starting XI very possible and that could further unleash Martinelli.