Arsenal look like they’re going to fall short of winning the league again and Jamie Carragher has suggested the development of one key players has stunted them a bit.
The Gunners dropped yet more points against Everton and failed to score as they once again looked short of being a title winning team.
For Mikel Arteta, the frustration is clear to see but he cannot say he hasn’t been backed either.
Indeed, some of Arteta’s signings just haven’t paid off, while players who threatened to be world-class at one stage seem to have dropped off a bit.
And according to Jamie Carragher, Gabriel Martinelli is a prime example of Arsenal’s issues in attack.
Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz of Arsenal before the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Arsenal FC and FC Shakhtar Do...
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Jamie Carragher says Bukayo Saka has left Gabriel Martinelli behind
Speaking on Sky Sports ahead of MNF, Carragher has suggested Arsenal have been let down by Gabriel Martinelli’s slow development.
“I don’t think it’s a striker necessarily but I think it’s an attacking player. For me, when you see this lad, Saka, on the right side and you see what they have on the left, it’s like chalk and cheese,” Carragher said.
“Now, Martinelli and Saka, a few years ago were almost at a similar level but Saka has jumped up to be one of the best players in European football in his position but Martinelli unfortunately hasn’t joined them.
“I’ve always felt, last two years and even this year, the reason I’ve never gone for Arsenal is I feel they’re a world class attacker short. When I think of the other teams that Chelsea have, that Liverpool have, that City have, I don’t think they’ve got that quality.”
"I've always felt Arsenal are a world class attacker short"
Jamie Carragher says Arsenal need more support for Bukayo Saka in attack to win the Premier League 🔴 pic.twitter.com/0Np3BGuNoF
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 16, 2024
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Martinelli form is a worry for Arsenal
Carragher is actually spot on about the Brazilian forward and it isn’t unfair of him to say Martinelli hasn’t quite developed and delivered.
Indeed, this season has seen plenty of criticism come his way. Just last week, Don Hutchison called Martinelli lazy, while even the often balanced Ian Wright has said Martinelli needs to improve as well.
The pressure is on at Arsenal now. They’ve spent so much building this squad but still keep coming up short and in the summer, they may have some big decisions to make.
With the title race wide open this year with Man City’s struggles, Arteta knows his team are missing a golden chance to win and the likes of Martinelli and others have just got to start producing.
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