Arsenal: 4 Gabriel Martinelli positives and negatives vs Leeds

3. Off the Ball Work & Defensive Shape

Out of possession this is what you want to see from Martinelli. Back when he returned from his injury last season one of the key features that had supporters pining for his regular inclusion was the outstanding dedication he showed without the ball.

What Martinelli has is an insatiable appetite to win. Every goal he loves, every victory he savours, and it is in his mind each game that he has to be the winner somehow, whether in a duel or otherwise.

Up against Drameh on his Leeds debut, the young full-back had a torrid afternoon with the occasion getting the better of him. At any point it looked like he was two yellow cards for late fouls waiting to happen. Martinelli played his part in that.

Gabi hounded him down as Leeds attempted to play out from the back and he left the youngster constantly peering over his shoulder. In total, Martinelli made four tackles on Tuesday, the joint most in the game.

As ever he showed endeavour to cover spaces in behind, willing to drop off and slot into a wider midfield berth with Leeds in possession. For all his tunnel vision with the ball at his feet, when he didn’t have it he was a proper team player.

But there is also mitigation. A poor day at the office for Martinelli comes with some reasoning.

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