“Look at this” Arsenal fans know the reason for Gabriel Martinelli’s bad form

Arsenal fans have discovered why Gabriel Martinelli is in bad form…

Arsenal have been having the season of a lifetime, however, yesterday’s loss to Everton was a blip to their title challenge. Massively helped by Spurs getting the win over Manchester City this afternoon, it’s given Arsenal fans a reason to relax and during this time, they have discovered why Gabriel Martinelli is in bad form.

Reflective in our player ratings, Martinelli was one of Arsenal’s worst performers in the loss to Everton. He didn’t have the same attacking input as he once did at the beginning of the season. However, Arsenal fans have figured out why.

Zinchenko essentially plays as a midfielder and this was personified against Everton. It’s a not bad thing, it’s just the way Zinny liked to play and where he plays best. This does mean, though, that Martinelli has drop back more than he would like. Playing on the same side as an inverted full-back, it’s no surprise to see Martinelli sucked back.

This Twitter user seems to think Xhaka is at fault for Zinchenko having to help out in the midfield.

However, this is the stance I agree with most. Eddie Nketiah is a terrific goal scorer but he doesn’t provide what Jesus does in terms of his work rate in the strikers’ role. At the start of the season, Zinchenko’s drifting didn’t affect Martinelli as much because Jesus’ fluidity in attack allowed for greater balance.

It’s important to note too that Martinelli is not playing bad. He’s just not playing great. Arsenal fans hold the Brazil international in high regard, and understandably so given the immense talent we all know he possesses. I’m sure in the coming weeks, Arteta will bring the best out of Gabi again.

What do you make of Gabriel Martinelli’s form?