When Gabriel Martinelli first made a name for himself, his goal-scoring ability was undeniable, and many Premier League fans believed that with his sharp finishing and natural instinct for finding the net, he would eventually become a top-class striker.
However, instead of developing into a central forward, Martinelli has primarily been used as a winger, a role in which he has not consistently shone.
This raises the question: Should Mikel Arteta consider giving Martinelli an opportunity to play as Arsenal’s No. 9 in their upcoming North London Derby against Tottenham?
Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, faces a selection dilemma ahead of the clash with Tottenham, particularly in filling the left-central midfield (LCM) role due to the absences of key players like Declan Rice and Mikel Merino.
It seems likely that Arteta will opt for Kai Havertz to fill that position, as Havertz’s physical presence and recent upturn in form make him a logical choice.
However, this decision leaves the question of who will lead the attacking line as a striker in such an important fixture.
Gabriel Jesus, who is still recovering from injury, may not be fit enough to start in the North London Derby.
While Arsenal has various attacking options available, it’s surprising that Martinelli, who wears the No. 11 shirt, hasn’t been more seriously considered for the striker role.
There are several possible reasons why Martinelli has struggled to find his best form on the left wing.
One issue could be the lack of stability in the players around him on the left side, leading to inconsistency.
Additionally, some reports suggest that Arteta has instructed Martinelli to play wider than usual, which has kept him further from goal and limited his chances to score.
Former Premier League striker Troy Deeney has also weighed in on Martinelli’s performances, criticizing the Brazilian for focusing too much on scoring and not doing enough to create opportunities for his teammates.
However, instead of viewing this as a flaw, perhaps Arsenal could use Martinelli’s goal-scoring hunger to their advantage by deploying him as the central striker in the match against Tottenham.
Martinelli’s speed and finishing ability could make him a dangerous weapon against Tottenham’s defense, now managed by Ange Postecoglou.
There’s no denying Martinelli’s talent, but it’s also clear that his confidence has suffered recently.
By giving him the chance to play as the No. 9 in such a high-stakes game, Arteta could help Martinelli regain his self-belief, potentially getting him back on the scoresheet and setting him up for a stronger season ahead.
An attacking trio of Leandro Trossard, Martinelli, and Bukayo Saka could form a dynamic and exciting front line for Arsenal, one capable of putting serious pressure on Tottenham’s defense.
This combination of players could provide the offensive threat that Arsenal needs to challenge Spurs effectively in the derby.
With this in mind, many believe that Martinelli deserves a chance to play as Arsenal’s striker in the upcoming fixture.
Such a decision could not only restore his confidence but also help him rediscover the form that made him one of the Premier League’s most promising young talents.
Would you agree that this could be the right moment for Martinelli to shine as Arsenal’s No. 9 in a crucial game against their fierce rivals?
