Arsenal returned to winning ways in the Premier League last weekend with a 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
The Gunners were clinical in front of goal with five of their six shots on target ending in the back of Dean Henderson’s net.
In the same derby, Arsenal lost the services of Bukayo Saka with a hamstring injury and he could be out for some time.
Manager Mikel Arteta today confirmed that he could be sidelined for weeks while reports claim that he may not return until March.
The Gunners have several options to operate from the right wing in Saka’s absence, but we believe Gabriel Martinelli should get the nod.
The Brazil international started in the role in the final game of last season against Everton where he produced a fabulous display.
Martinelli did not make a direct goal contribution, but he provided five key passes and created two big chances for his teammates.
He also won 100 percent of his dribbles with five crosses into the Toffees box.
With Saka’s injury, Martinelli got another rare chance on the right wing at Selhurst Park and he looked a different player in the position.
Martinelli impressed with his willingness to take on defenders and looked comfortable crossing with his right foot rather than his left.
The Ituano graduate delivered four accurate crosses and created three chances. One of those contributed to Kai Havertz finding the net.
South Korea vs Ghana Preview – team news, how to watch & potential line-ups
Trending
South Korea vs Ghana Preview – team news, how to watch & potential line-ups
Gabriel Jesus hit the woodwork from Martinelli’s precise cross, but Havertz was first to the rebound to score the Gunners’ third goal.
Martinelli ended up scoring the Gunners’ fourth from a Declan Rice assist. He also worked hard defensively with four duels and 100 percent of his tackles won.
The 23-year-old, who has been described as ‘incredible‘ by Oleksandr Zinchenko, should get an extended run on the right wing in Saka’s potential long-term absence.
This should pave the way for Leandro Trossard to feature on the left wing. Gabriel Jesus is expected to lead the attack after five goals in the space of two games.
Stats from Sofascore.com
This article was written by .