Gabriel Martinelli Faces Challenges Amid Arsenal's Tactical Shift
Arsenal is set to return to Premier League action this weekend as they host Nottingham Forest, managed by Ange Postecoglou. This match marks their first league encounter since their defeat to Liverpool at Anfield prior to the international break.
The Gunners faced criticism for their lack of attacking effectiveness during the loss to the reigning champions, with Gabriel Martinelli being a focal point of that critique.
Recent performances have not been ideal for the Brazilian winger, leading to some fans expressing surprise at his inclusion in the starting lineup against Liverpool, particularly given the depth Mikel Arteta has following a summer transfer spree that saw the club invest nearly £300 million.
Despite the scrutiny, Martinelli is known for his reliability in executing tactical instructions and contributing defensively. In a match where every detail could prove crucial, Arteta opted to keep him on the left side of the Arsenal attack.
However, a moment during the first half encapsulated Martinelli's struggles in recent months. He initiated a counter-attack but failed to pass to striker Viktor Gyokeres, who had a clear opportunity to exploit the Liverpool defense, ultimately losing possession and conceding a goal kick.
Many observers believe that Martinelli may be overthinking his decisions on the pitch, which stems from a dip in confidence. This particular play has since been highlighted as emblematic of his current form.
Why Is Martinelli Struggling?
Martinelli is a dedicated player who is deeply invested in his success at Arsenal. He is acutely aware of the criticism he faces on social media regarding his performances and the ongoing discussions about his role within the team.
Dealing with such scrutiny can be challenging for any player. While it is part of the professional football experience, it often hinders the ability to create spontaneous moments that can change the course of a match.
Last season, Martinelli recorded 10 goals and six assists across 51 appearances, a respectable tally but perhaps not reflective of a top winger in a title-contending team also competing in the Champions League.
One of his standout moments came in the Champions League when he scored the decisive goal at the Bernabeu in the second leg, helping Arsenal reach the semi-finals after a commanding 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the first leg.
The evolution of Arsenal's playing style may also contribute to Martinelli's recent downturn in form. During his breakout season in 2022-23, he netted 15 goals and provided six assists, thriving in a more open and fluid attacking setup.
Arsenal finished second that season, marking one of three consecutive second-place finishes in the Premier League. However, Arteta has since shifted to a more controlled approach, which may not align with Martinelli's strengths as a player who excels in exploiting open spaces.
Last season, the Gunners faced significant injury setbacks among their attacking players, and Martinelli himself struggled with fitness issues. This hampered their ability to break down teams that defended in a low block, leading to an over-reliance on crossing, which yielded little success.
This season, Arteta has once again altered the team’s style, opting for a more direct, transitional approach in hopes of maximizing the impact of £64 million striker Gyokeres. This tactical shift could potentially benefit Martinelli, who is known for his speed, as it may create more opportunities for him to penetrate opposing defenses.
Other Options Available
However, Martinelli will not have the luxury of time to regain his form if performances do not improve. Arsenal has bolstered their squad with the acquisitions of Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze, while Leandro Trossard remains a trusted option on the left wing.
For the first time this season, Madueke started on the right wing due to Bukayo Saka's injury. Previously, he had been deployed on the left during pre-season and in the opening match of the season at Old Trafford.
Although Eze is not primarily a touchline winger, he can fill that role and replaced Martinelli during the match against Liverpool. While he is viewed more as a number 10, his versatility and dribbling ability will be invaluable as Arsenal competes across four tournaments.
Martinelli, returning from international duty with Brazil, has compared the competition for places at Arsenal to that of the national team, where he vies for a spot on the left wing with Vinicius Jr., one of the world's elite wingers.
What Does the Future Hold?
Martinelli has two years remaining on his contract, with an option for the club to extend it until 2028. There were internal discussions about the possibility of selling him during the summer transfer window, but it was concluded that a sale at that time would not yield a satisfactory return given his recent form.
Despite the challenges, Arteta continues to place his trust in Martinelli, as evidenced by his inclusion in the starting lineup for away games against Manchester United and Liverpool. However, it is acknowledged that Martinelli is among a select group of players in the Arsenal squad who could command a significant transfer fee following the club's summer investment.
For both Martinelli and the fans, the hope is that he can recapture the form he displayed three seasons ago, which saw him score 15 league goals.