Mikel Arteta has urged Arsenal fans to be patient with young forward Gabriel Martinelli, who impressed and scored in his 3-0 win over Sheffield United on Sunday night.
The Brazilian lack of playing time in recent weeks has led to debate among Arsenal fans, but he took his chance on Bramall Lane, turned on a strong screen and came on the points side. Alexandre Lacazette also scored twice.
During a season where the Gunners’ forward line has regularly failed, Arteta’s reluctance to play the 19-year-old has been one of his more dubious decisions – especially given the promise he has shown since coming to north London back in 2019.
However, Arteta insisted that his side had the right to take their time with Martinelli and said: “I ask you to be patient because we have many players at the age of 19 and 20. When you compare it with many Premier League clubs at the top end it is not common .
Gabi has the right path, the right development, he has an incredible attitude and talent and has the whole future ahead of him.
“What we have to do is deal with it, try to give him the right amount of minutes, the right game for him to evolve to keep getting better.”
Martinelli suffered an injury at Sheffield United but fortunately he managed to continue | Pool / Getty Images
Martinelli’s energy in the final third gave Arsenal an added advantage, allowing them to push Sheffield United more aggressively, and his willingness to work back and support temporary left-back Granit Xhaka highlighted his incredible work speed.
Although Martinelli proves that he is more than capable of contributing at Premier League level, given his recent track record of injuries, it may be correct that Arteta is not rushing the teenager back in.
But with each impressive screen, it becomes increasingly difficult for the 38-year-old coach to motivate not to give this exciting young talent the right amount of minutes.
