Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has reportedly turned his attention to one specific player following the Gunners’ underwhelming performance against Ipswich Town. Despite securing a 2-0 victory in the Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta’s dissatisfaction stems from an individual display that he deemed well below Arsenal’s high standards.
The match, which saw Arsenal dominate possession with 84.5% in the first half, was marred by concerns over Bukayo Saka’s absence due to a hamstring injury. Saka’s injury forced Arteta to shuffle his lineup, with Gabriel Martinelli stepping into a more advanced role.
However, Martinelli’s performance failed to impress, leaving both fans and the coaching staff questioning the decision.
Reports suggest that Arteta was particularly vocal in the dressing room post-match, directing his criticism toward Martinelli. The Brazilian winger struggled to fill Saka’s boots, with his lack of creativity, dribbling ability, and composure coming under scrutiny.
Fans were equally critical, taking to social media to voice their frustration. Comments such as “Martinelli is trash on both sides” and “He has no dribbling power or end product” reflected the growing discontent among supporters.
Arteta’s frustration is said to go beyond this game, with sources indicating that he expects much more from Martinelli, especially in high-pressure scenarios.
The manager’s reaction signals a demand for accountability and could serve as a wake-up call for the player to improve his consistency and impact on the pitch.
Meanwhile, the absence of Saka has amplified concerns about Arsenal’s squad depth. Some fans suggested playing young talent Ethan Nwaneri on the right flank instead, arguing that the 17-year-old could offer more dynamism. Others even called for an urgent dip into the January transfer market to bolster the squad.
Despite the win keeping Arsenal in the race for a top spot in the Premier League, Arteta’s post-match comments highlight that performances, not just results, remain a priority for the Spaniard.
As Arsenal prepares for their next fixtures, all eyes will be on Martinelli to see how he responds to the manager’s criticism. Whether he can bounce back and regain the trust of Arteta and the fans remains to be seen.
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