Martinelli is a devastating loss as since the Brazilian came into the first team around the start of December he has been in excellent form, scoring four goals in 10 matches, which is one more than Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah have managed combined in the Premier League this season.
Mikel Arteta said: “Gabi has been extremely good the last few months. I think the level that he’s playing at, the way he’s been every game, the way he’s been evolving. It’s a real shame because he’s going to miss the game now because we need him and because we are really, really short.”
One option that Arteta now has at his disposal to replace Martinelli is to bring Nicolas Pepe back into the side. The Ivorian has hardly featured for much of this season, but his absence in the month of January was painfully evident as Arsenal managed to score just once in five games. However, it seems the far more likely candidate to take Martinelli’s starting spot is Emile Smith Rowe. Having left him out of the team for such long periods, some have questioned whether Arteta values Smith Rowe as much as he has done in the past, but the Spaniard has already explained the reason for this course of events.
Mikel Arteta said: “Well the main reason (behind) that was because he wasn’t completely fit to play. He’s been carrying an issue, and that hasn’t allowed him to train regularly, to play regularly, and that was the main reason. Because in his performances, and what he did before that international break (in November) – there is no question that he was one of our more important and consistent players. The only reason that changed the dynamic was that – and obviously now that the team (has been) doing well, there are other players who are doing well, and have been performing well. That changed the situation, but I am very happy with him.”
Smith Rowe has continued to impress despite not being a regular starter in recent months scoring three times off the bench, and Arteta has previously indicated that this is exactly the attitude he wants to see from his players who are left out of the team.
Mikel Arteta added: “This is why we need that, we raise the level. Each player raises the level of the player next to him, and this is how you evolve as a team. How you create a culture around the team, that when I get the opportunity I have to grab it. That a statement should be done on the pitch, and not talking or making comments, and when you have the opportunity, grab it. Then show how good you are, and then if you do that you continue playing.”
Smith Rowe is likely to get his opportunity next weekend against Brentford in a left-wing position where he has generally been more effective for Arsenal this season. With Martinelli back for the visit of Wolves the game after, the Hale Ender will be hoping he can take it.
