Due to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus’ injuries, Arsenal has few options for strikers at the top end of the field. As a result, there will be conflicting emotions when Gabriel Martinelli is ultimately used there and helps turn the tide of the match against Liverpool.
At Anfield on Sunday, Arsenal rallied from a two-goal deficit to secure a point against the champions, with Martinelli heading in the first of their two goals. Given their difficulties, supporters may question why Mikel Arteta hasn’t used the Brazilian there more frequently.
There, Leandro Trossard, who scored the goal from the left, has frequently been favored. Mikel Merino has played in that role, but his physicality makes him obviously out of place. One reason they haven’t met their goals is that they don’t have a natural center-forward.
Gary Neville told Sky Sports, “I think they have left themselves short in that department.” “Maybe they thought Raheem Sterling could be the person to step up and fill that gap as a third striker.” Rather, Martinelli might have been the wisest choice all along.
“I actually think in the last half of this game Martinelli showed he actually could be a real dangerous centre-forward with his runs in behind,” Neville said. When Arteta switched in the second half, it was evident that he could stretch the Liverpool defense.
“Especially when they have such a high line and they are so aggressive with that,” the manager of Arsenal admitted when questioned about Martinelli’s success as a striker at the post-match press conference. Many supporters have demanded this action.
Martinelli was frequently utilized as a center-forward when he originally made his debut for Arsenal under Unai Emery. He scored seven goals in his first seven club outings while still a teenager, including two away goals at Anfield.
Martinelli’s unexpected change in style is that he is now moving away from the penalty box rather than toward it. Compared to two seasons ago, when his runs from out to in were a key component of his 15 Premier League goals, he is staying wider now.
Martinelli is not very effective when hugging the touchline. He was undoubtedly handled well by Conor Bradley in the opening half at Anfield. Martinelli’s efficacy is less evident when his dribbling prowess is highlighted rather than his mobility off the ball.
His dribble success percentage has, in fact, been slowly declining with each season, according to the data. His game might benefit from greater fluidity. He has more to offer, as evidenced by his header against Liverpool. To find out, it is a bit late in the season.
