Gabriel Martinelli has gone missing since the start of the 2021/2022 season. He started the first two Premier League matches this season, but since then has only seen one substitute appearance in league play. This is not what any of us expected from the 20-year-old Brazilian forward this season. This was to be his “breakthrough” campaign for the Gunners, however, that is yet to materialize.
Now, it’s understandable that Mikel Arteta has many choices to call upon when selecting his starting front line. He has Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Nicolas Pepe on the Arsenal roster, however, Martinelli provides something different. In my opinion, he is better with the ball at his feet than the other guys. On Monday, during his substitute’s appearance v Crystal Palace, the youngster was superb and brought needed energy and pace to help get the Gunners a 2-2 draw.
Since joining the club in 2019, Gabby has scored 12 goals in his 53 senior appearances, and don’t forget, his has an Olympic gold medal in his trophy case as well.
In my humble opinion, I think he deserves to start on Friday v Aston Villa. Several of the Gunners looked “leggy” on Monday, so the well-rested and fit Brazilian could bring his “something different” to the match and help Arsenal get a much needed win and three points. With Bukayo Saka potentially out with a calf injury, and with Aubameyang needing rest after his international duty, Friday would be a great opportunity for Martinelli to be given a starting assignment alongside Lacazette and Pepe.
Remember too, Martinelli signed a new contract this past summer that takes him through June 2024, with a club option for an additional year. His yearly salary is $6.46-million (USD).
With our current scoring drought, maybe it’s time to get our dollars worth.
Cheers.
Gunner1953
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It still comes down to the shape of the team. Lone strikers just don’t cut it. We seem to be playing with a fake nine. We need two 9s. I’d start auba and sub him at half time. Tell him upfront to run and create his guts out for 45. Then bring on martinelli.