Against Manchester United last weekend, a lot of eyes were on Viktor Gyokeres’ Arsenal debut.
Despite popular belief that Kai Havertz would lead the line for Arsenal, Mikel Arteta decided to chuck Viktor Gyokeres right in the deep end at Old Trafford.
The Swedish striker started in the middle of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka and in truth, the duo were unable to provide their new teammate with much service.
Both Martinelli and Saka struggled to get going against United at all, and they’ll be hoping to get their season started properly against Leeds United on Saturday.
Although, some of the Arsenal fan base would already like to see Martinelli dropped for Noni Madueke, or even Leandro Trossard.
Gabriel Martinelli proves he’s not lazy with speedy Arsenal performance
Over the last 12 months or so, Martinelli has been criticised at Arsenal, and there’s a reason why sporting director Andrea Berta is currently on the hunt for a new left winger.
Arsenal are still interested in Rodrygo from Real Madrid, but it remains to be seen if any deal will be done after Trossard’s contract renewal.
That being said, Martinelli was called ‘lazy’ by pundit Don Hutchinson last season following his efforts against Fulham in December.
Hutchinson thought Martinelli was needlessly running offside, which was a result of his sloppiness.
Gabriel Martinelli in action for Arsenal during a Premier League clash against Newcastle.
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
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However, against United on Sunday, Martinelli could definitely not be accused of being lazy at all, even if he wasn’t at his best.
According to FotMob, Martinelli hit the top speed of any player against United – he was even faster than Gyokeres up top.
Alan Shearer thought Gyokeres looked fast for Arsenal, but Martinelli was even quicker.
Player Top speed (km/h)
Gabriel Martinelli 35.5
Bukayo Saka 33.7
William Saliba 33
Viktor Gyokeres 32.5
Gabriel Magalhaes 32.4
Arsenal’s fastest players against Manchester United.
Gabriel Martinelli didn’t benefit from his usual Riccardo Calafiori connection
Although Martinelli didn’t leave wanting in terms of his effort levels, his performance was bereft of finesse.
And interestingly when speaking last season, Ian Wright claimed that Riccardo Calafiori improved Martinelli when the duo were playing in tandem on the left.
But judging by Martinelli’s numbers, that wasn’t necessarily the case this time around.
Minutes 60
Chances created 1
Accurate passes 3/5 (60%)
Successful dribbles 0
Total shots 1
Martinelli’s stats against Man United via FotMob.
Of course, we are only one game into the season – there’s no need at all to jump to conclusions just yet.
And whilst Arsenal weren’t at their best collectively at Old Trafford, they still won three points, which could be vital come the end of the season.