Thierry Henry and Jamie Carragher have expressed concerns about Gabriel Martinelli’s role in Arsenal’s starting lineup as the team heads into a crucial Premier League match against Manchester City this weekend.
Both pundits have raised doubts about whether the Brazilian winger will retain his spot in the starting eleven, following a string of underwhelming performances.
One of the key moments that drew attention was his lackluster showing in Arsenal’s goalless draw against Atalanta in the Champions League opener.
During the game against Atalanta, Arsenal found it difficult to carve out clear scoring chances, with Martinelli missing perhaps their best opportunity in the second half.
His failure to convert that chance has extended his run without a goal or assist to 17 consecutive games, which has now raised questions about his place in the lineup for such a pivotal upcoming fixture.
Jamie Carragher was forthright in his assessment, suggesting that Martinelli’s starting position for the weekend’s game at the Etihad Stadium might be in jeopardy.
Carragher pointed to Arsenal’s creative struggles in the match against Atalanta, where the absence of Martin Odegaard was felt particularly keenly.
Odegaard, known for his ability to link up play with Bukayo Saka and create space for his teammates, was missed, while Kai Havertz, who took up a similar role, didn’t seem to slot seamlessly into the system.
Carragher floated the idea of Leandro Trossard potentially being brought in to replace Martinelli for the City clash.
He remarked, “Although Martinelli’s position is in question, I think the manager will likely keep faith in him, even though his lack of sharpness in front of goal has been evident.”
Thierry Henry, who was also part of the discussion, acknowledged that Martinelli is going through a difficult period, particularly with his extended goal drought.
However, Henry viewed this as part of the natural learning curve for Martinelli and the team as a whole.
He noted that this challenging phase would require the team to support each other and continue to grow as a collective unit.
Henry expressed confidence that players like Declan Rice could help ease the pressure on Martinelli, but he didn’t shy away from admitting that the winger’s recent form is indeed a cause for concern.
Adding his perspective, former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand highlighted Arsenal’s lack of attacking prowess in the Atalanta game.
Ferdinand emphasized that the team’s creativity and ability to maintain possession were not at the level required to challenge top-tier sides like Manchester City.
He stressed that against a team like City, Arsenal will likely have limited chances and must be far more clinical in converting them.
Ferdinand warned that Arsenal’s forwards need to be more efficient in front of goal, especially considering that City won’t allow them many opportunities.
Reflecting on Martinelli’s missed chance against Atalanta, he said, “If Arsenal only get one or two chances against City, they have to capitalize on them.
City won’t hand them several opportunities, so the forwards need to step up and be ruthless when those chances come.”
As Arsenal prepares to face Manchester City, the focus will be on whether Martinelli can overcome his recent dip in form and contribute to what could be a defining match in the title race.