Arsenal: 3 reasons Gabriel Martinelli could start vs Man United

Gabriel Martinelli has had to endure a tough 12 months at Arsenal. Ever since suffering a nasty knee injury in training that saw him miss 30 matches he’s had to bide his time for involvement.

Since making his return in a 2-1 defeat away at Everton in December 2020, it’s been stop start. A couple of other niggles have come and gone, while the form of Hale Enders Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka have limited opportunities further.

Failing to qualify for Europe this season was the biggest killer. No player has suffered more as a result than Martinelli who has had to make do with fleeting late cameos and the occasional start in Carabao Cup matches.

Entering the fray against Newcastle with 25 minutes to go was the most Premier League action he’s seen since starting on matchweek two of the campaign, and he really made it count this time.

3 reasons Gabriel Martinelli should start for Arsenal against Manchester United in the Premier League if Bukayo Saka isn’t fit to play

A gorgeous bending run was found by a delightful pass from Takehiro Tomiyasu, and the immense composure and technique he showed to follow the flight of the ball over his shoulder and place it beyond Martin Dubravka was reminiscent of the Martinelli that burst onto the scene in his first season at the club.

As the December fixtures get ready to pile up with a game on average every three and a half days, the fringe players making their involvements count is imperative. He, just like the Nicolas Pepe’s of the squad, will be heavily relied upon.

Next up is Manchester United at Old Trafford. Watching Bukayo Saka hobble off on Saturday is a huge concern for Arsenal as that trip awaits on Thursday, and should he not be deemed fit enough to feature then the vacancy on the right flank opens up.

If that position is available, there is plenty of reason why Martinelli should be handed it.

(one of the reasons isn’t “he’s not Pepe”)

1. Unpredictability

There are undeniable benefits of selecting a near unchanged lineup each week: players become more accustomed to each other and partnerships can be strengthened with patterns and systems fine-tuned.

Equally, it provides the opposition with more data points to use against you.

Liverpool understood the importance of Alexandre Lacazette in the Arsenal team and reacted by getting Thiago on him from the first minute. Those battles effectively cut one player from the team and it allowed the Reds to gain even more control in midfield.

In doing their pre-match analysis, Manchester United will be looking at what tactical notes they can pick up. If Saka is fit then he has to play as he’s the best the Gunners have in that position, but should he not be deemed ready then adding someone like Martinelli, who is unpredictable, can ruffle feathers in the United defence they won’t be as prepared for.

Able to go inside and out, whoever lines up at left-back for United would rather face someone like Pepe who is always looking to shift the ball onto his left foot as opposed to someone who will vary his attacking runs.

Sometimes catching your opponent off guard can give buy you a fair few minutes where they need to readjust and Martinelli is a forward who can do that.

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2. Interchangeability

In the discussion of which is Martinelli’s best position across the forward line, of the three options he’s arguably weakest on the right.

Some don’t see him as a centre-forward, or at least prefer his skillset coming off the left, but in the case of Saka being unavailable it’s the right where he will be lined up.

What Martinelli does bring to the team is the possibility of interchangeability. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is almost certain to start at centre-forward, and having someone who he can swap with in wide areas – Saka and Pepe can’t play at striker – offers more tactical flexibility in how Arsenal attack United.

These alterations can be made in-game in a bid to further disrupt a fragile United team, one who could be even more crestfallen depending on the outcome of their trip to Stamford Bridge.

Seeing how predictable Arsenal were in the opening exchanges against Newcastle, having someone who can swap flanks or go through the middle just to inject some variation into the play provides a different option to Arteta depending on how proceedings pan out.

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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.