Fewer Touches Than Raya: Arteta Must Ditch Arsenal Player After 14-Pass, 5/10 Performance Against Aston Villa
Arsenal delivered a resolute performance following Manchester City’s emphatic victory earlier on Saturday, holding their ground against Aston Villa to secure a second consecutive win at the start of the season.
Last season, Unai Emery caused significant challenges for the Gunners, achieving a league double that ultimately had serious implications in their race against Pep Guardiola’s unstoppable team, which surged ahead in the final stages of the campaign.
Could the third time be the charm? After falling just short in consecutive title challenges against City, Arsenal have bolstered their squad during the summer and are optimistic about their chances of going one step further to reclaim their position as the Premier League’s best.
Nevertheless, they are not celebrating just yet, as a challenging journey lies ahead before Mikel Arteta can hope to unseat his former mentor. Arsenal found it difficult to assert control in midfield, and one side of their attack also left much to be desired.
Gabriel Martinelli’s Performance Against Aston Villa
Leandro Trossard made an immediate impact after coming off the bench, scoring a well-executed goal—something Gabriel Martinelli, whom he replaced, was unable to accomplish in more than an hour on the field.
While Martinelli is undoubtedly a talented player, his recent performances have been underwhelming. He has struggled to bring the energy and creativity needed to uplift a team that was in desperate need of inspiration until the second-half resurgence.
| Gabriel Martinelli: Stats vs Aston Villa | |
|---|---|
| Stats | # |
| Minutes played | 65′ |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Shots | 0 |
| Touches | 26 |
| Accurate passes | 14/17 (82%) |
| Key passes | 2 |
| Dribble attempts | 1/2 |
| Ground duels won | 1/4 |
| Stats Source: Sofascore | |
Despite making two key passes, Martinelli’s involvement in the game was limited—his 26 touches were even fewer than those of goalkeeper David Raya, who had an excellent performance.
Had it not been for the heroics of the Danish goalkeeper, Martinelli’s performance might have been viewed more critically. However, Raya and Trossard stepped up, securing Arsenal’s two victories in their opening Premier League matches.
In his post-match analysis, Simon Collings of the Evening Standard rated the 23-year-old only 5/10, stating, “He struggled to get into the game and was substituted with about 25 minutes left. His spot in the lineup might be at risk for next week.”
While Martinelli’s talent is undeniable, his best form remains hidden, and few would object to him being benched for the upcoming match.
Why Arteta Must Drop Gabriel Martinelli
Trossard has rightfully gained his reputation as a ‘supersub,’ and many would expect the Belgian to deliver more key moments as the season progresses.
Arsenal may not have been at their best at Villa Park, but at this early stage, the performance matters less than the result. They avenged last year’s disappointment against Aston Villa with a win that left Unai Emery and his team lamenting missed opportunities. A champion’s hallmark is their ability to be ruthless and tenacious, and Arsenal displayed just that.
Martinelli, however, has yet to prove he possesses the qualities needed to secure a starting position on Arsenal’s powerful front line. His replacement consistently makes a significant impact, shifting the momentum in crucial moments.
Since the beginning of last season, Martinelli has managed only eight goals and five assists in 46 matches across all competitions. Given the importance of firepower in the squad, his contribution has been less than convincing.
While Martinelli is quick, direct, and effective, he might benefit from returning to the bench as Arteta’s team prepares for their next challenge against Brighton & Hove Albion, who recently defeated Manchester United.
In other Arsenal news, David Raya, Trossard Superb But One Player Disappointing in Arsenal Win Over Aston Villa
