Arsenal 0-3 Manchester City: 5 Talking Points & Tactical Analysis

#2 Gabriel Martinell a rare bright spot in a dreary day for Arsenal

Martinelli was perhaps the only bright spot for Arsenal

For the second league game running, Freddie Ljungberg decided to hand Gabriel Martinelli a start. The Brazilian was fielded on the left side with Nicolas Pepe and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang completing the front three. And, while those around Martinelli didn’t particularly cover themselves in any sort of glory, the youngster ensured that he returned with his head held higher than some of his more illustrious peers.

The Brazilian was a bundle of energy from the outset and showcased immense determination and drive to rampage past a couple of challenges in the opening minute and force Ederson into a save. Apart from that moment, the youngster was also a constant passing outlet for his midfielders and he controlled the ball adequately, more often than not.

Additionally, he was willing to track back and help out Saka when Kyle Walker ventured forward. Most impressively though, the Brazilian portrayed the stomach for a fight, something which wasn’t replicated by those around him. He wasn’t daunted by the prospect of facing the defending champions and conducted himself rather well.

In stark contrast, Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil cut frustrated figures with the latter in particular, being extremely woeful. In the summer, Martinelli was brought on board as Arsenal hoped to reintegrate the Brazilian import over the succeeding years. However, with each passing game, the youngster is displaying attributes that the North Londoners have been yearning for, meaning that he has suddenly cast himself as a vital cog of a rather floundering machine.