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.
However, Arsenal lost Bukayo Saka to a hamstring injury, and he could be sidelined for several weeks.
The Gunners have several options to operate on the right wing in Saka’s absence, but 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 all of his dribbles with five crosses into the Toffees box.
Martinelli got another rare chance on the right wing at Selhurst Park, and he looked a different player in that position.
He 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 scoring.
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, winning four duels and all of his tackles.
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 scoring five goals in two games.
Stats from Sofascore.com.
