Pundit Jay Bothroyd has named one Arsenal star he believes should no longer be in the starting XI for Mikel Arteta’s Gunners.
In the aftermath of Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday, Mikel Arteta can feel satisfied with the crucial three points. Arsenal’s second-half goals from Leandro Trossard and Thomas Partey secured the victory, although they had their share of luck, including a remarkable save from David Raya to deny Ollie Watkins.
Trossard, who came off the bench to score, showcased his impact, possibly highlighting a growing frustration over his limited starting opportunities. The Belgian forward’s goal, just two minutes after his introduction, proved key in Arsenal’s win.
Gabriel Martinelli, who started on the left wing for Arsenal, struggled to make an impact. With Matty Cash injured and replaced by Kosta Nedeljkovic, Martinelli had a chance to shine but often made poor decisions with the ball. This performance has led to questions about his place in the starting lineup.
Jay Bothroyd, speaking on The Optus Sport Football Podcast, suggested that Martinelli might not deserve his current spot. “I actually don’t think that Martinelli deserves to be playing,” Bothroyd said. “He’s living off his form from a couple of seasons ago, where he scored 17 goals. Trossard suits the Arsenal team better because he operates in spaces, receives the ball in between the lines, and is a good finisher.”
The Brazilian winger enjoyed a standout season in 2022/23 with 15 Premier League goals, but his form has been inconsistent this season. Bukayo Saka, on the other hand, continues to impress with one goal and two assists already this season.
Martinelli, still young, faces a defining moment in his career. While he has shown glimpses of world-class potential, he needs to deliver consistent, game-changing performances. As Trossard’s performances continue to challenge his place, Martinelli must prove his worth to secure his spot in Arteta’s starting XI.
