“I Want Him to Understand”: Ian Wright Makes Interesting Claim About Gabriel Martinelli at Arsenal Right Now

Gabriel Martinelli has had a challenging period at Arsenal over the past year. The Brazilian forward has faced a number of injuries, and since then, he hasn’t quite regained his top form.

On his best days, Martinelli has arguably been as impressive as Bukayo Saka. However, it’s been some time since fans have seen him deliver one of those standout performances for Arsenal.

During his absence from the team due to injuries, Martinelli seems to have lost some of his confidence. There is also a sense that he may be overthinking his play when it comes to the final third of the pitch.

At his peak, Martinelli’s game was marked by a certain rawness and fearlessness. He was a winger capable of taking on and outpacing any full-back in world football.

This isn’t to say that he won’t reach those heights again. Mikel Arteta is clearly committed to helping him return to his best.

However, as demonstrated in the North London derby, things aren’t fully coming together for the forward at this moment.

Gabriel Martinelli is Strugging with the Pressure at Arsenal

On the ‘Wrighty’s House‘ podcast, Ian Wright discussed Gabriel Martinelli’s current situation, referencing a key moment during the derby when Martinelli had a chance in front of goal but chose not to pass to Saka.

At that moment, Arteta appeared visibly frustrated with Martinelli, who seemed eager to make an individual statement by going for goal himself.

Wright acknowledged Martinelli’s challenging position but urged him to take a different approach, especially with the upcoming match against Manchester City.

He said: “This is why Gabby, again his mindset at the moment for me is one of, because [Leandro] Trossard might, because Trossard’s gonna play and he doesn’t know if he’s gonna play, he feels like he has to prove something.

“He’s playing with that, I need to get my chance, I need to take it so people can say, yeah, we can’t forget Gabby.

“Whereas he’s just got to do what he does in getting past people, get the ball across, we score the goal – everything settles down and then we may be able to create something else.”

Wright later continued: “Going back to that Gabby chance, what Gabby maybe should have squared to Saka, I just want, if that happens next week, I just want him to understand, it’s a long season, we’re four games in, you know what I mean? You’ll get your goals.”

Raheem Sterling Ready to Spoil the Party for Man City

It’s not just Trossard who could step in for Martinelli if he faces another injury layoff.

Raheem Sterling, now on loan from Chelsea, is eager to make an impact.

Sterling could feature in the starting lineup against Atalanta on Thursday, with Arteta likely to make up to three changes for the match.

Despite Thursday’s result, it seems unlikely that Martinelli will be left out of the squad for the Manchester City clash, as his defensive contributions are crucial.

However, with upcoming home fixtures in the Premier League against teams from the lower half of the table, Sterling may be vying for his chance, challenging Martinelli for his spot.

In other Arsenal news, Boost for Arteta – Arsenal Confident “Immense” Player Will Be Fit for Man City After Injury Scare