What are the key factors in Gabriel Martinelli's return to form?

Gabriel Martinelli had struggled for form this year and this was the case until recent weeks. The Brazilian had not recorded a goal or assist since March but has brought this poor run to an end over the past few games.

Martinelli has enjoyed a timely return to form as of late, recording four goal involvements in his last three games, scoring two and providing two assists. Aside from the statistics, the Brazil international looks to have improved his all-round play and has grown in confidence.

There is no doubt Martinelli looks to be returning to his best, but what have been the factors in his resurgence?

How Gabriel Martinelli is returning to his best form

A key reason for Martinelli's dip in form in 2024 was the inconsistency down Arsenal's left side. Not only was the Brazilian being dropped every now and then for Leandro Trossard, he was constantly reinforced by varying left backs. Jurrien Timber, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior, and Takehiro Tomiyasu all started in the position throughout the season meaning Martinelli was never able to form a good and consistent on-field relationship.

That wasn't the case during his standout 2022/23 campaign when he was often supported by Zinchenko and Granit Xhaka down the left flank.

Martinelli's return to form has coincided with the introduction of Riccardo Calafiori to the team on the left side of defence. The Italian came into the lineup to face Manchester City and was assisted by Martinelli to score his stunning equaliser. Since then, Martinelli has recorded three more goal involvements over the next two games.

Granted, just one of Martinelli's four goal involvements this season have involved Calafiori but the Italian's introduction has no doubt been a great help for the winger. The two combine well and look to have formed a good on-field relationship that will continue to strengthen both players' abilities.

It could even be argued that Martinelli has simply had a boost in confidence. Throughout a lot of last season and the early weeks of this campaign, the Brazilian looked a shadow of his former self, failing to take players on and lacking a deadly finishing product.

Anyone who understands football will know that just one goal can do the world of good for a player's confidence, and that could be the case for Martinelli. Having scored his first goal in six months against Leicester, the winger's swagger seems to have been restored. He looks to have regained the confidence he once had, and that is certainly needed when playing at Premier League level.

As I've already alluded to, another notable reason for the Brazilian's poor form last season was the absence of Xhaka in the lineup. Martinelli netted 15 Premier League goals two seasons ago and his outstanding performances were helped greatly by Xhaka, with whom he shared a brilliant on-field relationship.

The two combined on just three occasions to score but aside from the stats, they constantly teamed up to help out their side in any way possible. Xhaka's departure ahead of last season certainly took a toll on Martinelli and he looked to be missing the presence of a left-footed number eight.

The Gunners seem to have finally replaced Xhaka with the signing of Mikel Merino and while he is yet to start a game, there is no doubt he will in the coming weeks. The gradual introduction of the Spaniard to the starting XI will help Martinelli improve even more as he will have the chance to build a similar playing relationship to the one he shared with Xhaka.

Gabriel Martinelli's return to form clearly comes down to more than one factor. The timing of Riccardo Calafiori's introduction to the team and the Brazilian's improvement is no coincidence. He has clearly been aided by the Italian. Along with this, a boost in confidence is also clear for the winger as considering he lacked it for so long and it has raised since scoring, this is no doubt a factor.

The eventual introduction of Mikel Merino to Arsenal's starting lineup will enable Martinelli to improve even more as it will fill the void previously left by Granit Xhaka.

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