“He’s the only Arsenal player that i fear, i just hope Mikel Arteta will bench him against us”- WestHam Star Lucas Paqueta confessed that he’s scared of 22 years old Arsenal star- Not Declan Rice, Not Saka and not Zinchenko
“He’s the only Arsenal player that i fear, i just hope Mikel Arteta will bench him against us”- WestHam Star Lucas Paqueta confessed that he’s scared of 22 years old Arsenal star- Not Declan Rice, Not Saka and not Zinchenko
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has defended Gabriel Martinelli following his recent downturn in form.
The Gunners boss, speaking to football.london, has described the 22-year-old as “one of the best in the world” in terms of practising hard in front of goal and never giving up.
Arteta also said Martinelli is not struggling with confidence at present and remains a “massive threat” for Arsenal.
The Brazil international has enjoyed a great rise to the top since joining the Gunners for just £6million in 2019.
Martinelli was especially outstanding last season, with 15 goals and five assists across 36 league games helping Arsenal fight for the title.
However, he has failed to replicate that form so far this term, with the 22-year-old scoring just twice and providing two assists in 16 top-flight matches.
‘He’s really trying’
Last time out, Martinelli missed a glorious chance against Liverpool and struggled against the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ibrahima Konate. He played with his head down for much of the game.
But Arteta, speaking at his pre-match presser ahead of Thursday’s meeting with West Ham at the Emirates Stadium, has played down concerns over Martinelli.
“Difficult to put something onto it,” said the Arsenal boss. “Sometimes it’s decision making. Sometimes, scoring, or missing a chance, or hitting the post, or receiving the ball, the difference is small details.
“He’s really trying. He’s a massive threat for us. Not only everything that he generates with the ball, but without the ball as well.
“The amount of time that he threatens the backline and the pressure he puts on the backline. It will happen again.”
When asked what Martinelli needs to do to improve his decision-making, Arteta said: “Being open first.
“Working hard and practising the situation that you face in the game as much as possible and having the courage to do it time and again. He’s one of the best in the world at that.”
We’ve had plenty of cases of top players who have suffered from downturns in form this season. Hopefully it’s something Martinelli can quickly put behind him and turn a corner.
Arsenal will return to the top of the Premier League table if they pick up three points against West Ham, who beat Manchester United last time out.
