Gabriel Martinelli hasn’t had a very good start to the season by his standards as he’s yet to contribute in the Premier League.
This has led to Jay Bothroyd slamming Martinelli, stating that he’s living off his form from two years ago.
Mikel Arteta then dropped Martinelli, who is on £180,000 a week, for the Gunners’ last match against Brighton with Leandro Trossard taking up the position on the left-hand side.
The Belgian has already bagged a goal as a real live-wire this season and looks to be bang in form, so dropping him just isn’t an option right now.
And, with the false 9 position possibly being gifted to Sterling for the all-important clash with Tottenham, there’s nowhere for Martinelli to fit into the side with Bukayo Saka immovable on the right.
There’s no doubting Martinelli’s quality but Sterling’s form in training appears to have forced Mikel Arteta’s hand a bit, with another substitute appearance looking likely.