Arsenal fans urge Mikel Arteta to make change as concern about one star came ‘true’ vs Aston Villa
Arsenal were ultimately able to battle to a 2-0 win over Aston Villa in a Premier League clash yesterday.
The hosts made things difficult for Arsenal, who had David Raya to thank for preserving their clean sheet on a couple of occasions.
However, Mikel Arteta found a way to win his tactical battle against his predecessor, Unai Emery.
Whilst Raya was vital again for Arsenal, and Emery made a mistake that cost Aston Villa, it was ultimately Leandro Trossard to proved to be the hero of the piece.
The Gunners’ super sub was introduced to the fray in the 65th minute, and almost immediately scored to put his side ahead with his very first touch of the ball.
Arsenal fans want Leandro Trossard to replace Gabriel Martinelli
Many Arsenal supporters on X are eager to see Arteta make this change when his side line up to face the Seagulls.
One said: “We are in a wonderful position where we have to quality and unique talents. I believe Martinelli…has a very high ceiling. However, Trossard to start at home to Brighton for me.”
Another stated: “Trossard starts over Martinelli for me against Brighton next week … for sure !!”
Another fan added: “Martinelli talent is there and will improve this season for sure. I will always believe in him. But I do think Trossard does deserve to start against Brighton.”
Pressure builds on Martinelli
Martinelli has looked short on confidence for some time, despite the persistent faith Arteta has shown in the Brazilian winger, keeping him in the starting XI and affording him the opportunity to play his way back into form.
However, journalist and Arsenal fan James McNicholas felt that the 23-year-old’s current flaws were all too clear against Aston Villa.
Speaking in his On The Whistle YouTube video after the match, the reporter said: “I have to say, I don’t think Gabriel Martinelli had a great game. I think, something his critics aim at him is that his decision-making can be poor, or has been poor in recent months.
“I think that was true [against Aston Villa], certainly. I think he looked like a player lacking in confidence, a bit unsure when he entered the final third, whether to shoot, whether to pass, what time to release the pass.”
Perhaps a brief spell out of the firing line would do Martinelli good. In any case, Arteta needs to come up with a means of coaxing the best out of the forward once again before too long.
