Arsenal started another season on bang as the Gunners pulled up a 2-0 win over Gary O’Neil’s Wolves at the Emirates Stadium this weekend.
While Mikel Arteta’s side eases into the new campaign, the Spaniard would be looking to ensure that he irons out the creases in the team before heading into the more difficult games.
One of the things that stood out though the game was how the likes of Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, and Martin Odegaard carried their form from last season into the new campaign.
Gabriel Martinelli showing desperate signs
The Gunners named a front three of Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, and Bukayo Saka in their starting lineup, and two of those three ended the fixture with a goal and an assist to their name. While for Martinelli, it was a tricky day at the office. He found himself in some splendid positions only to make a poor decision leading up to the final ball, which soundedly frustrated Declan Rice when he didn’t receive a pass in the open space that could have led to a possible goal.
Gabi is facing pressure from Leandro Trossard in his position, and he would want to put the past season woes behind him early this year. That hunger to make things happen has been visible through the pre-season and in the game against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Although it could be frustrating when things just don’t fall into place.
And looking at the Brazilian’s performance, ESPN pundit Janusz Michallik suggests that Martinelli needs to start refining his game.
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While acknowledging the quality Martinelli possesses, the ESPN pundit said that Gabi needs to get his mind and body in sync. It does make sense when you think about how he could take a moment of understanding the situation and react accordingly. However, I think that once he gets his confidence back, things will start to click again. It’s about netting in one or two goals, and he would start flying again across the pitch.
Janusz Michallik speaking on ESPN said: “When I think of Martinelli, his legs are two steps ahead of his brain. He’s still unrefined. There’s something special in him, but that hasn’t come out just yet. Everything happens too quickly, and there is that moment when you are, you know, at times it’s great, and there are times you are like, What do I do now?
“So still finishing that, but he’s so young, you know, that final touch, if you will.”
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Martinelli is special, and things will come for him, and he will be a better player when he jumps out of his current dip. A 15-20 goal season would be a massive stepping stone into his growth and development, but we need to start with one and take it from there.
Arsenal now visit Villa Park to face Unai Emery’s Aston Villa, and Martinelli would be hungry to get himself going. Hopefully he finds his halo back next weekend.
