Arsenal fans had a lot to say about Gabriel Martinelli after draw vs Man City, the feeling is clear

Mikel Arteta handed Gabriel Martinelli another chance to impress for Arsenal against Manchester City on Sunday. 

Gabriel Martinelli has been far from his best so far this season.

The Brazilian winger has featured in all six of Arsenal’s games, across all competitions, so far this seasons, starting in five of them.

However, he is yet to register a goal and has come under fire from supporters and pundits at times.

Arsenal fans recently called for Martinelli to be dropped by Mikel Arteta, given his poor form. In the North London derby, Martinelli was criticised in the press for being wasteful in front of goal, and was warned that he is in danger of falling down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium.

However, Arteta kept faith in Martinelli on Sunday, including him in the starting XI against Manchester City, despite having summer arrival Raheem Sterling available to him.

Arsenal fans see positive signs from Gabriel Martinelli

Martinelli was able to register his first assist of the season as he set up Riccardo Calafiori’s first half equaliser.

Whilst his impact in the final third beyond that was limited, due to the nature of the game, the 23-year-old still caught the attention of Arsenal fans on X, who he impressed with his defensive commitment and work rate.

One said: “Now that the dust has settled on yesterday’s game, the defence and keeper will rightly get all the plaudits, but Martinelli worked his socks off throughout and impressed, given his lack of form recently. Hopefully a sign of things to come.”

Another stated: “An “out of form” Gabriel Martinelli has been Arsenal’s biggest threat in the most difficult away game of the season. Imagine my shock.”

One claimed: “He so good idk how anyone doubts him.”

Another added: “All Martinelli needs is just a goal and they won’t be ready.”

What Martinelli needs from Arsenal

Whilst there were certainly signs of improvement on Sunday, Martinelli is clearly still lacking confidence in the final third.

He is a player desperate for a goal that seems determined not to come, but eventually it will. Until then, Arteta is clearly of the opinion that the winger needs to play his way back into form, and is giving him every opportunity to do exactly that.

Arsenal fans know how good Martinelli can be, as he has dazzled in the Premier League for the club before, he now needs the supporters to stick by him. Whilst this has been an extended period of struggle for Martinelli, as he never truly clicked into gear last season either, it is normal for young players to undergo such challenges and fluctuations.

If the Gunners stand by Martinelli, they will be rewarded when he gets back to his best.