Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli struggled to make an impact during the 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich on Wednesday night.
The Brazilian was recalled to the starting lineup by manager Mikel Arteta after being left on the substitutes bench against Aston Villa last weekend.
However, Martinelli didn’t provide much of a threat from the left wing at the Allianz Arena and in one of his few sights of goal, he spurned a decent chance by hitting his shot almost directly at Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer. Fans on X were not particularly impressed with the forward’s performance:
We have hyped him up for years but he isn’t top quality he is really average with a dreadful first touch we really need someone with a bit of class and can finish at highest level
— drew grayson Afc (@drewgrayson8) April 17, 2024
Martinelli is killing his career by himself
— Emerald (@EmeloguEmerald) April 17, 2024
Marteneli was just 👻👻 ghosting the game. I feel like mtchweeee
— Musana Isima (@isima_musana) April 17, 2024
we do need to convert these chances. Our forward has to be clinical. we have none who are clinical.
— Dinesh Jai TS ⠕🦀 (@TS_Dinesh_Jai) April 17, 2024
He's not a good finisher
— Koscielny (@R_Koscielny1) April 17, 2024
He’s so out of form and out of depth!
— Elon Mars (@elonmvrs) April 17, 2024
Martinelli has not kicked on from last season
After scoring 15 goals and providing 6 assists during the 2022/23 campaign, many supporters were hoping to see the 22-year-old make further strides in 2023/24.
For whatever reason, that hasn’t happened. Martinelli has scored just 8 times in 38 appearances, and his display against Bayern sums up how things have gone for him.
The Arsenal star has time to improve
Considering how long Martinelli has been around for, it is sometimes easy to forget that he is still only in his early 20s. Inconsistency is clearly still part of his game and it could simply be the case that, by next season, he is banging in the goals for fun once again.
There is no doubt that the Brazilian international is a very talented footballer and fans should keep faith that he will come good.
