6/10 Rating for Martinelli: Arsenal Star’s Performance Raises Concerns After Wolves Win
The Premier League season has officially kicked off, and while Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Wolves was a promising start, it left fans and critics alike pondering the performance of certain players.
Despite a commanding win on home soil, Arsenal’s display was more about getting the job done than dazzling the opposition.
Arsenal’s summer signings and returning players were under the microscope as Mikel Arteta’s squad faced off against Wolves.
The opening goal came from Kai Havertz, who rose above the rest to head in Bukayo Saka’s sublime cross.
Havertz’s performance was a highlight, as he not only scored but also assisted Saka’s powerful second goal, which sealed the win. The German international, who took 20 games to find the net last season, showed his attacking prowess early this term.
The standout performance didn’t stop there. Arsenal’s goalkeeper, David Raya, made key contributions with a crucial save in the first half and another late on to preserve the clean sheet. His display was commendable and kept the team’s defensive integrity intact.
However, not all Arsenal players shone. Among the most scrutinized was Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli, who earned a lukewarm 6/10 rating from Football.London’s Kaya Kaynak.
Martinelli’s performance was notably underwhelming, especially when compared to his usual high standards. With 35 touches, he had fewer interactions with the ball than Raya, who managed 41 touches. This discrepancy highlighted Martinelli’s struggle to impact the game effectively.
Martinelli’s stats from the match reflect his challenging afternoon. He made 17 accurate passes out of 20 attempts and created three key chances, but his only shot was blocked.
His dribbling was only 50% successful, and he lost possession eight times. Additionally, there was a notable moment when he opted to shoot from a tight angle despite Declan Rice being in a better position inside the penalty area.
This decision did not go unnoticed, particularly by the club’s record signing, who was visibly frustrated.
With Leandro Trossard waiting in the wings, Martinelli’s position in the starting lineup could be in jeopardy if he does not significantly improve his performance.
Trossard’s impressive track record from last season makes him a strong contender for the left-wing spot, and Arteta may opt to deploy him against Aston Villa in the coming fixture.
In summary, while Arsenal’s victory was a positive start to the season, the performance of certain individuals, particularly Martinelli, will need to be addressed quickly.
The pressure is on for the Brazilian to rediscover his form, or face being dropped in favor of his more in-form teammate.
6/10 Rating for Martinelli: Arsenal Star’s Performance Raises Concerns After Wolves Win