Yes, I’d have sacrificed Odegaard. Martinelli was tiring, but he’s a goal threat and we needed as many of those on the pitch as possible.
Martinelli as a 9. Arteta with a genius move 
Converting players into new roles FC.
Going to be fun when we splash 75m on Gyokeres just for Mar9 to bench him.
1 Like
He did flag this like 4.5 years back. Likes to take his time Mikel.
Yeah. Tbf for a long time I saw Martinelli as a CF in the long run, a Vardy type CF (or maybe Aubameyang).
Simply gave up on it eventually after Arteta never really gave it a go (except for a very few games two years ago where he was interchanging his position up front with Trossard).
I think a front 3 of Saka, Martinelli and Nwaneri had much more potential than Martinelli, Merino and Saka. But Arteta isn’t a fan of dynamic, fluid setup’s.
Cursed season continues
https://x.com/afcstuff/status/1922601233979756572?t=Wjkex2cf9j7r4Lh0wXK3sA&s=19
https://x.com/afcDW/status/1922603436706574473
Looks like he came back.
2 Likes
Open training sessions are a truly terrible thing
3 Likes
He clearly just needed the toilet!
1 Like
Someone shouted that he is poop…and he heard he needs poop and agreed.
Gets the ball at halfway line, 95mins on the clock, time to waste time by kicking the ball away or shield & keep possession
What does Martinelli do? Give it back to Newcastle.
Absolute braindead player
2 Likes
It was a poor moment but otherwise I thought he had a very good game today. Workrate was great and was needed in such a tight match.
1 Like
Yup.
I’d be very happy to have him as a backup LW and squad player if he’s willing to accept that role. Today’s match we were so lethargic and second to every ball, its important to have somebody like him who is never giving less than 100%, will always provide great cover to his fullback, and can help the team get out a little bit. And his speed will always prove useful as a bench option against tired legs.
He may not have the final third composure and elite technical ability to be a starter for a side with our ambitions but he’s more than adequate as a squad player.
1 Like
Same and if he thinks he’s better than playing a bit part role at Arsenal, he can fuck right off. Personally, I think he’ll be more than happy to stay as long as he gets a few games now and then, which he will.
With him, you have to take the good with the bad. His attitude and work rate is top notch, but he will do daft things every so often. He will also get you the odd goal and a few assists. Definitely a good option from the bench, and there is no shame in being a bench player for a club like Arsenal.
2 Likes
I’ve got a better idea, compete with whoever we bring and prove you need to be starting.
No coincidence that Martinelli’s best periods came when he wasn’t a guaranteed starter and was trying to make his minutes count.
That would suggest that it’s a motivation thing rather than an ability/footballing brain thing. Honestly, I don’t think Martinelli can do much more than what he’s doing now. This seems like his level. I hope am wrong but we’ve seen enough evidence over the last two seasons.
I think a lot of his current flaws are due to him overthinking shit and that’s partly because of his elevated role.
I don’t want Martinelli taking as many touches as he does. I don’t want him being fancy with the ball.
Martinelli should be a low touch direct player, the times he should be getting the ball should mainly be when he’s got space to run into or he’s through on goal.
2 Likes
True, and even players like Rice, Odegaard are guilty of too many touches, and that’s something Mikel has to solve. Hopefully a mobile striker (or two) will make our build-up play a lot quicker. Often times, when he’s got space to run into, he gets to the final third and has to wait for some bodies to get into the box, before he can put a cross.
That’s exactly my stance too.
I’d sell him for a handsome fee but no point in selling him for something cheap. You can hardly find a player who can run properly for under 40M these days.
Although, I’m noo happy with the reports about keeping both him and Trossard… Doesn’t seem too likely to get two new forwards if we plan to keep them 
1 Like