Who should be Arteta’s first-choice against Wolves? Trossard or Martinelli?

(Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Arsenal completed their 2024 preseason on a positive note, defeating Lyon 2-0 in the Emirates Cup. There were some positives picked from that contest, but there were also some negatives…

One unfavourable aspect was Gabriel Martinelli’s performance. The Brazilian, who many expected to be back to his best this season following a terrible 2023–24 season, appeared rusty. Against the French side, particularly in the first half, he appeared to be a shadow of his former self; he ran down blindly, entered the box at terrible angles, and disappointed those of us who claim he was one of the most clinical Gunners, given his current lack of confidence in front of goal and his poor passing accuracy.

I don’t know about you, but I’m starting to get concerned about our No. 11. Martinelli should pull up his socks since he squandered three of four beautiful opportunities in the first half against Lyon, which isn’t encouraging if we’re going to count him on Arsenal’s left wing this season. As was demonstrated in the last 5 games last season, Martinelli started everyone on the bench in favour of Trossard, and was used as a kind of supersub.

With the arrival of Riccardo Calafiori at left back and possibly Mikel Merino to play LCM, Martinelli should have everything he needs to get back to his best, but he should keep things simple, which should gradually rebuild his confidence.

If he doesn’t step up, Arteta may end up looking at Leandro Trossard, who usually capitalises on his chances, to take charge of his left wing.

What do you think should be Arteta’s first choice against Wolves? Trossard or Martinelli??

Darren N


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18 Comments

  1. Arteta showed the love to Xhaka at a time when his form was poor, attitude was terrible and many fans wanted him gone.
    Why can Arteta not be the same with Nelson, Nketiah, Lokonga, Tierney et al? We need the whole squad playing at their best if we want to compete with the best!
    Also this will help with the sell on value of fringe players.
    Play the whole squad. Rotate better. Develop youngsters to maximise their potential and value!

    1. Because Xhaka was a good player playing a position he wasn’t really suited too. Nelson, Nkeitah and Lokonga are just poor players and Tierney has had enough opportunities to prove he can play 3 games in a row without a season ending injury.

      1. Truth be told, nobody knows for sure how good Reiss, Nketiah, Lokonga et al are due lack of consistent involvement playing. A shame that Rowe, Sousa, Reull, Amario, Chido and Omari Hutchingson had to leave for the same reason. Arteta ought to improve on the special love he has f
        or some players

  2. I like Martinelli, although I think he has hit a buffer at tge moment. But Trossard starts all day long. He make things happen and is the best finisher in the team, by far.

  3. In answer to the question, neither.I would play a front three of Saka,Havertz and Jesus, but not necessarily in that order.

  4. I would play Trossard. He’s the in form player at the moment and it’s up to Martinelli to reclaim his spot. Also think Trossard complements Havertz better.

  5. I would say Leo.

    But let’s not forget Gabby had a nasty injury last season and when he did get some game time the season was over. He had a few minutes at the copa America so it will take some time to find some rhythm especially with MA constantly changing the LB.

    I expect to see the Martinelli that we all know and love to be back to his best mid September and I would have no hesitation to choose Martinelli over Trossard only for the maverick he is on the left wing.

    With luck and a settled left wing we will not be so one dimensional by constantly attacking from the right.

  6. Trossard is incredible with the ball at his feet when he has any space at all. He’s a destroyer of a set defense. He also is very good in switching play. I’ve also noted that his off the ball his positioning is also very good. His obvious weakness imo is not quite having the pace to beat the better full backs in the PL. Martinelli clearly does have the pace but not the mastery in possession displayed by Trossard. They can both be just as devastating as each other depending on the circumstances and opponents. Time to earn the big bucks again MA. 🤔

    1. Good points BB.

      This is why I have always said that Leo is better suited as the left 8 with his ability and uncanny knack to be able to menacingly populate space when arriving late.

      I find that he is wasted on the left as he doesn’t offer the dynamism that Martinelli offers.

  7. They both bring different qualities and both seem to do better when they come on as subs opposed to starting the game. Trossard is excellent technically but I like Martinelli’s pace, although he is lacking an end product at the moment. I am on the fence but would start Martinelli.

  8. Trossard

    i worry for Martinelli, as every day goes by he looks to be a one trick pony not able to adapt and develop his game

    unfortunately reminds me of Tierney

    both of which we were two of my favourite players 3 years ago, but one has definitely been left behind and the other is showing signs of the same

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