Arsenal: 3 reasons Gabriel Martinelli could start vs Man United

3. Gabriel Martinelli’s Directness Can Hurt Fragile Manchester United

For better or for worse, Martinelli is so direct on the ball.

When he assumes possession it’s full steam ahead towards the opposition goal, always looking for penetration with immediate effect.

As seen against Leeds this can be to his detriment. Often guilty of not getting his head up enough, the longing to make his minutes count with goals or assists can muddy his thinking and ignore other wiser options on the ball. He still needs to work on this.

Against a United side leaking goals and shot for confidence, if he can find a way to channel this then there are few defences in the league it can be more effective against. Conceding 21 goals already in the top-flight (prior to facing Chelsea) and having kept just three clean sheets in their previous 25 matches in all competitions, the mantra on Thursday should be clear.

Harry Maguire has been atrocious this season, Victor Lindelof struggles to follow markers and Raphael Varane is still doubtful with injury. Arsenal need to prey on weakness and whoever starts should be instructed to do so, not just Martinelli.

Having someone who will keep plugging away and get at the opposition defence, one this fragile, can be to Arsenal’s benefit.