Jamie Redknapp believes that one Arsenal player has to do more
Redknapp suggested that Mikel Arteta's team are too reliant on Bukayo Saka
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By JEORGE BIRD
Published: 14:16 EST, 21 December 2024 | Updated: 14:18 EST, 21 December 2024
Jamie Redknapp has named the Arsenal player who he feels has to do more.
After finishing in second place in each of the last two Premier League seasons, Mikel Arteta's side are attempting to go one better this campaign.
However, Redknapp suggested that Arsenal are too reliant on Bukayo Saka, who has frequently performed to a very high standard.
Saka had to be substituted during the first half of Arsenal's game away to Crystal Palace on Saturday with a hamstring problem.
The winger's expected absence for upcoming games will be a major concern for Arteta.
So far this season, Saka has contributed with five goals and ten assists in 15 Premier League appearances.
Jamie Redknapp has named the Arsenal player who he feels has to contribute more
Redknapp feels Arsenal are too reliant on Bukayo Saka, who suffered an injury v Crystal Palace
According to Redknapp, Gabriel Martinelli needs to perform to a higher standard.
Martinelli replaced Saka at Selhurst Park and proceeded to find the net.
However, the Brazilian has lacked consistency this season and has often been somewhat predictable to defend against.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Redknapp said: 'You can't be so one-sided. Because what they will do is just double up on him and making it difficult. Every team meeting is 'How do we stop Bukayo Saka?'.
'But if Martinelli was to find form, then you'd have a major problem. Martinelli has got to do more! This has been a problem for a while now. If the full-back is quick, he struggles to get past him. And he gets the ball and knocks it back to his full-back.
'He needs to find way of going past a defender and crossing balls into the box. He seems to have come to a crossroads at the moment. Confidence is low.'
Martinelli's goal against Palace, which came in the 60th minute, could well give him a significant confidence boost.
So far this season Martinelli has mainly been competing for Leandro Trossard for a starting berth on the left wing.
According to Redknapp, Gabriel Martinelli needs to start making more of an impact
However, Martinelli was deployed on the right wing after replacing Saka against Palace and could now get more opportunities in that position.
There was much excitement about Martinelli when he first burst onto the scene at Arsenal following his arrival from Ituano in 2019.
Now aged 23, Martinelli is at a stage where more is expected of him.
Arsenal's next game is on December 27, when they will host Ipswich.