A Problem Like Gabriel Martinelli

 

After today's draw at Fulham, Gabriel Martinelli is coming in for some strong criticism across social media. This is nothing new either. There have been question marks over Gabi for some time. Recently, he's managed to notch up the odd goal here or there, including away in Lisbon versus Sporting. But is that enough? The answer is clearly no. Martinelli has quite obviously regressed from the electric talent that he used to be. I recall one occasion where he gave Trent Alexander Arnold a torrid time and had Jurgen Klopp praising him to the heavens. That game ended in an Arsenal defeat so Klopp coming out with niceties to a team that wasn't a direct threat to his own side at the time was nothing new. But the praise in that instance was justified. Gabi was dynamic, decisive and direct and full backs used to fear him.

But now, he is anything but decisive or direct. As soon as a full back faces up to him, he slows the play down each time in the hope that his sudden acceleration will help him outfox the defender and get to the byline. Usually, however, there are two outcomes that prove to be of no real help to the Arsenal attack. One, Martinelli is forced to pass back after failing to beat the defender or having put in a weak, floaty cross. He did this repeatedly in his half hour cameo today. When he did put in a decent cross that Saka scored from, the goal was disallowed due to Gabi finding himself needlessly offside in the build up. In moments like this, you would also have to question Gabi's footballing intelligence.

Martinelli also lack the assurance on the ball of a Leo Trossard. He does not possess Leo's vision nor his knack for scoring goals in big moments. Gabi's strong points lay in his pace and energy. To his credit, even though he is clearly having a poor season, Gabi continues to work hard for the team but his lack of refinement in the final third is becoming more than just a concern. It's now a real issue. For me, Arteta did not use either Leo or Gabi right today. Martinelli must start and play the first 60 minutes. Gabi can be used as almost a battering ram against the opposition right back. He must improve his runs and start beating full backs on the inside as well as the outside. Leo can then be brought on for the final half hour and provide his cuteness to our attacking play. In many ways, we need to find a winger who is a combination of Leo and Gabi. If we can do that, our attacking play will improve ten fold. For me, improving the left wing is almost more important than finding a 20 goal a season striker.