Following Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Aston Villa on Saturday, football pundit Gary Neville has voiced concerns about the form of Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli. Despite the team’s solid performance, Neville believes that Martinelli is currently struggling and requires more care and attention from manager Mikel Arteta.
During the match, Martinelli appeared to lack his usual spark and confidence. Neville, who was commentating for Sky Sports, noted that Martinelli seemed hesitant and unsure of himself when in possession of the ball. This hesitation was particularly evident when Martinelli had opportunities to take on Villa’s defenders but opted for safer, more cautious plays instead.
Neville highlighted that Martinelli’s best moments come when he plays instinctively, using his pace and direct approach to unsettle defenders. However, in the game against Aston Villa, Martinelli’s hesitation was noticeable, and he struggled to make a significant impact. This led to his substitution in the second half, with Leandro Trossard coming on and immediately making a difference by scoring the opening goal.
Neville’s comments suggest that Martinelli might be experiencing a dip in confidence, which is affecting his performance on the pitch. He emphasized the importance of Arteta providing the young forward with the necessary support and encouragement to regain his form. According to Neville, Martinelli has the potential to be a magical and breathtaking player, but he needs to rediscover his belief and play with the same instinctive abilities that has made him a fan favorite.
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