Arsenal: 4 Things We Learned From Everton Defeat

Gabriel Martinelli Waltzes Into This Side

It’s quite damning that Nicolas Pepe was the most likely source of a goal on Saturday, this despite not being…very good.

There were a few decent moments from him, he got his goal, but it’s the best of a bad bunch scenario which is a complete encapsulation of where this team is.

Willian has had one shot on target all season – which came eight minutes into the opening day – Saka is being forced to drop deeper to start attacks, none of the strikers could hit a barn door with a banjo and there is zero goal threat from anyone in midfield.

You do worry that Gabriel Martinelli is being rushed back too soon having only played 45 minutes for the Under-23’s. Unfortunately, his presence is exactly what this forward line cries out for. Someone with the personality to assume responsibility, be direct in their manner and just attempt something out of the ordinary.

Rip the team up and start again with anyone else, but ensure that whoever is in that frontline is 19  years of age and comes from Brazil.

Albeit short, his cameo offered an immediate insight into how much better the attack can be with him involved. Calling for the ball, running in behind, coming short and being aggressive, his influence was greater in that 20-minute spell than most of the players combined.