Arsenal: Oops, almost forgot about Gabriel Martinelli

Arsenal’s attack has been so good lately that I honest to goodness almost forgot about arguably the best attacking talent in Europe. Oopsy.

When I was filling out the predicted starting XI for the return leg against Olympiakos, I got to the attack and remembered that Arsenal still have Gabriel Martinelli. Of course, I felt like an idiot, because of course we still have Gabriel Martinelli, but it just goes to show what seven goals in two matches can do.

Throughout those seven goals, we have seen so many players flourish. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is back tied for the top scorer in the league with 17 goals. And they’ve been some nice ones too.

Bukayo Saka is running rampant in the assist column, creating beautiful chances with his one-two punch of dribbling and delivery. Plus, as he plays the same positions as Martinelli and will have aspirations to move back there when a leftback can stay healthy, it’s easy to rank Saka higher at the moment.

Meanwhile, Nicolas Pepe is on a tear, high on confidence and buzzing. He’s creating and scoring goals every single match and defying all the idiots who continue to question his ability.

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And don’t let me forget about that midfield. Dani Ceballos has inspired movement on and off the ball, he’s creating chances from deep and he’s introducing this attack to something they had clearly forgotten about.

And Mesut Ozil? Not so bad either. He’s been flowing and moving right alongside Ceballos, pairing well with his attackers.

So yeah, I think it’s a little excusable that for the past couple weeks, I haven’t been actively thinking about Gabriel Martinelli. Because even when we go beyond the attack, Shkodran Mustafi‘s resurgence is real, Bernd Leno is one of the best in the world, and maybe that Brazilian teenage wonder was fantastic last month, but this month, he hasn’t been as relevant.

That’s not a criticism, it’s a celebration. He would be plenty relevant if he were a part of those seven goals, or on the pitch in some way, but he hasn’t been. He’s been patiently waiting for his chance to shine; to return to the fireworks.

It’s a testament to the sudden revival of this powerful attack. We’ve got so many guys fit and firing up top that Martinelli hasn’t even been needed. Which will only serve to inspire him more. You can bet this young man wants to be a part of the fun.