“He was constantly driving the ball forward, he was the only positive for Arsenal last night, without him, Aston Would have scored Arsenal more than just two goals”- Arsenal icon was full of praise for £62M Arsenal’s excellent player after his brilliant display that nearly made Arsenal won the game yesterday
On a tough night for Arsenal against Aston Villa, it must have been an even more frustrating affair for Mikel Arteta sat in the stands.
Albert Stuivenberg had the reins on the touchline owing to Arteta celebrating a 97th minute winner against Luton Town.
And although Arsenal’s coaches were taking responsibility by the pitch, it was still likely to be Arteta pulling the strings.
That being said, with Arsenal chasing the game late on and improving in the second half, one decision was a surprise.
Unai Emery’s Villa side were looking increasingly tired as the game went on, with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli often testing their opposing full-back.
However, in the 70th minute, Arteta did decide to withdraw Martinelli, introducing Leandro Trossard to the game.
And whilst few would debate the merits of the Belgian being introduced, it seemed very odd for Martinelli to go off.
With Villa playing such a high line the £6m Brazilian was starting to get some joy, and did look key to any comeback.
And perhaps the proof was in the pudding, with Arsenal lacking any real threat in the closing stages.
Mikel Arteta made a mistake withdrawing Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli against Villa
Of course, this is all easy to say in hindsight, but it did also seem evident at the time.
Jamie Carragher questioned the decision during Sky Sports’ live coverage of the game – it was a controversial one.
That being said, one pundit has actually partly blamed Martinelli for the defeat, a player he thought was below-par.
A lot of attention has been attributed to Arsenal’s wingers this season, two players often said to be out of form.
However, the nature of sides now successfully doubling-up on both Saka and Martinelli is causing an issue.
The likes of Leon Bailey were so willing to help out their full-back last night – the key to stopping Arsenal’s creativity.
And given these circumstances, Martinelli perhaps would have been the player to eventually win the tussle – a world class winger with all the determination you can imagine.
Moreover, Arteta may now regret withdrawing the Arsenal man from the game, one who may have produced some late magic against Villa.
