Theo Walcott was critical of Gabriel Martinelli’s failure to make the most of his opportunity due to Arsenal’s loss at Liverpool.
Gabriel Martinelli has been accused of “smashing it down” by failing to make the most of Liverpool’s makeshift right-back Dominique Zobosilai during Arsenal’s defeat at Anfield.
The gunner was beaten by his title rival in an early season encounter, courtesy of a stunning free kick, and came up with a winning goal. The Hungarians spent the entire match on the defensive line in new unconventional roles.
Normally, midfielder Szoboszlai has to fill out right back due to injury, but Martinelli couldn’t take advantage of his natural lack of defensive instinct. The Brazilian has supported playing against opponents in one-on-one scenarios multiple times.
Former Arsenal forward Theo Walcott, who spent 13 years at the club, was surprised that Martinelli didn’t make the most of the opportunity as he was largely nullified in the final third.
He is called the IT Soccer Podcast. “Szoboszlai was not tested at all. You have a centre midfield player in the fullback. It’s music for my ears, but at some point it wasn’t.
read more: Mikel Arteta leaves the injured Arsenal star from Champions League team while history awaitsread more: Gabriel Martinelli’s transfer stance to Arsenal revealed he has revealed he is short on £20 million
Arsenal strengthened their frontlines over the summer, and they were open to selling Martinelli, but their interest in the forwards was not all below their ratings, and as a result, sales were not considered. His departure would have only been considered if the buyer received a bid of £60 million.
Daily Mail reports that stakeholders are not ready to surpass that £40 million mark, resulting in the idea of selling him being shelved, and he remains part of the attacks bolstered by the arrival of Eberechi Eze and Noni Maduke.
Martinelli played 51 times for Mikel Arteta’s side last season. Despite the arrival of more competition, the Arsenal boss argued that the Brazilians will continue to have a very important role in the future.
He said: “No, I think Gabi is a very important player to us and he will remain very, very important. We have options with different qualities and that will meet what we want.
“We have him in many other areas of the pitch. He needs to start the game, especially at the frontline, finish the game. So I’m very pleased with what we have.”
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