When Gabriel Martinelli first burst onto the scene, his natural ability to find the back of the net impressed fans and pundits alike. Many Premier League supporters believed that with his sharp finishing and clinical nature in front of goal, he was destined to become a top striker. However, Martinelli’s current role seems to be that of a traditional winger. Yet, he hasn’t been performing at his best in that position recently. This raises the question: should Mikel Arteta consider giving Martinelli the chance to play as Arsenal’s Number 9 in their upcoming match against Tottenham Hotspur?
As Arsenal prepares for this crucial North London Derby, Arteta faces a selection dilemma in the midfield. With Declan Rice and Mikel Merino both unavailable for the match, it’s likely that Arteta will turn to Kai Havertz to fill the left central midfield (LCM) position. Havertz’s physical presence and recent form make him a logical choice for that role. However, if the German is deployed in midfield, Arteta will need to consider who will take on the role of striker.
Gabriel Jesus, who is still recovering from an injury, may not be ready to start the game against Spurs. This leaves a gap up front, and while there are a few options, it’s surprising that Gabriel Martinelli, wearing the No. 11 jersey, hasn’t been seriously considered for the striker role.
Several factors have contributed to Martinelli’s recent dip in form as a winger. One issue has been the lack of consistent personnel on the left side of the pitch, which has affected his rhythm. Additionally, there are reports that Arteta has instructed Martinelli to play wider, keeping him further away from the box, which has limited his ability to rack up goals and assists.
Former Premier League striker Troy Deeney has also weighed in, criticizing Martinelli for focusing too much on scoring and not creating enough chances for his teammates. However, what if Arsenal were to embrace his goal-scoring mentality and let him lead the attack against Spurs?
Martinelli’s pace and finishing ability could pose a real threat to Tottenham’s defense, led by Ange Postecoglou. Although Martinelli is undoubtedly a talented player, his confidence seems to be lacking at the moment. Allowing him to play as a striker in such a high-stakes game could be the spark he needs to rediscover his form. If he can get on the scoresheet, it could reignite his self-belief and boost his overall performance.
Personally, I’d feel confident in an Arsenal attack that features Leandro Trossard, Martinelli, and Bukayo Saka. Their combination of speed, creativity, and goal-scoring potential would give Arsenal a dynamic edge going forward. What do you think? Should Martinelli be given a shot as the main striker?