Gabriel Martinelli Must Start Repaying the Faith Arsenal Boss Arteta Has Shown in Him
- Think Football Ideas
- Sep 11
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 16
Martinelli’s Arsenal Challenge: Proving His Worth Under Arteta’s Trust
Gabriel Martinelli's last outing for Arsenal at Anfield, where a superb individual effort from Dominic Szoboszlai decided the match 1-0, raised questions among supporters and pundits about Mikel Arteta's selection choices.
Several fans wondered why Eberechi Eze began from the bench in a game where attacking fluidity was expected to be key.
Martinelli, starting on the left wing, had the responsibility to blend pace, pressing, and creative instincts, yet the final product fell short of the level anticipated from a player of his potential.
A Winger Out of Sync
In the past few months, Martinelli has struggled to recapture the form that established him as one of Arsenal's most dynamic attackers in recent years.
The Brazilian continues to demonstrate defensive discipline and tactical awareness, yet translating that into decisive contributions has been inconsistent.
His pace and off-the-ball movement remain assets, but hesitation and overthinking at critical moments have hindered his ability to influence matches as effectively as expected. Arteta’s trust in him reflects confidence in his skill set, even if the results have not always justified it.
Challenges Behind the Scenes
Several factors contribute to Martinelli’s struggles. The club’s tactical evolution under Arteta, transitioning from open, fluid attacking play to a more controlled and considered build-up, has sometimes limited the spaces in which he thrives.
Additionally, the winger’s own fitness fluctuations and periods of international duty have compounded the challenge, making adaptation to the new style and expectations a work in progress.
Opportunities in Transition
Despite his recent struggles, Arsenal’s evolving system could hand Martinelli the platform to rediscover his edge. A more direct, transitional approach naturally creates moments where his acceleration and movement become decisive weapons - like quick runs in behind defensive lines.
With Viktor Gyokeres leading upfront, Martinelli has a focal point to link with, either threading passes into space or combining in tighter areas, rather than being isolated on the flank with little end product.
If applied correctly, this shift can transform his pace into tangible contributions, whether goals or assists. For a player who has spent several seasons under Arteta’s guidance, the expectation is not simply to stretch play but to refine decision-making in the final third.
By blending his athleticism with greater precision, Martinelli has every opportunity to repay the faith shown in him and cement his role in Arsenal’s next phase.
Competition and Urgency
Arsenal’s reinforced squad limits the time Martinelli has to re-establish himself as a first-choice option, but there is no denying that Arteta has afforded him ample patience and trust.
Competition for starting roles from new arrivals Eze, Noni Madueke, alongside Leandro Trossard, provide multiple solutions on the wings, leaving the Brazilian with little room for extended adjustment periods.
The tactical versatility and technical ability of his teammates raise the standard expected of him, pressing Martinelli to produce tangible contributions to remain a vital part of the rotation, and rightly so.
Contract and Future Considerations
With two years remaining on his contract and an optional extension until 2028, Martinelli’s place at Arsenal is secure but not untouchable.
While discussions over potential transfers surfaced during the summer, the club ultimately decided to retain him, demonstrating trust in his capacity to rebound.
For Martinelli, the imperative cannot be clearer. He must begin delivering consistent attacking output, repaying the confidence Arteta has shown, while supporters hope to see a return to the levels of his breakthrough seasons.
Path Forward
The Brazilian winger’s trajectory depends on combining confidence with execution. Arsenal’s strategy, team depth, and fixture demands present both challenges and opportunities.
By capitalising on transitional spaces, linking effectively with Gyokeres, and reclaiming his attacking sharpness, Martinelli can reaffirm his status as one of the Premier League’s most dynamic wide players.
The responsibility is his, but the tools and trust provided by Arteta offer the framework for resurgence.
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