Mikel Arteta feels that Gabriel Martinelli is still a ‘massive threat’ for Arsenal (Picture: Getty)
Mikel Arteta insists Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli isn’t struggling with confidence and is a ‘massive threat’ despite his lack of goals and assists.
The Brazil international winger impressed in the Premier League last season with 15 goals and five assists across 36 games.
Martinelli has failed to replicate that form so far this term, though, with the 22-year-old scoring just twice and providing two assists in 16 top-flight matches.
But Arteta has played down concerns over Martinelli ahead of the Gunners’ clash against West Ham at the Emirates on Thursday after he missed a key chance in the 1-1 draw at Liverpool last time out.
‘It’s difficult [to explain],’ Arteta said on Wednesday. ‘Sometimes it’s decision-making, sometimes it’s hitting the post or missing a chance.
‘He is really trying. He is a massive threat for us. Everything that he generates with and without the ball, the pressure he puts on the backline, he is a key player for us and things will happen [for him] again.
‘Confidence is not a problem for Martinelli. Sometimes he needs to put the break down or lift his head up and make that decision for everybody.
Gabriel Martinelli remains a ‘key player’ despite his dip in goal involvements (Picture: Getty)
‘That’s the most difficult thing to do, finding that composure and timing inside the box. But lack of confidence is not going to be an issue for him.’
Meanwhile, Arteta has provided an injury update on Takehiro Tomiyasu and Thomas Partey ahead of the match against West Ham.
Quizzed if they could return before they head off for international duty, Arteta added: ‘There is a chance.
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‘We’ll have to see. They haven’t trained yet. Hopefully they can evolve in the right way.
‘Nothing has changed [for the West Ham match]. We’re not going to have those two, then we have the suspension of Kai [Havertz].’
Arsenal will return to the top of the Premier League table if they pick up three points against the Hammers, who beat Manchester United in their last match.
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‘He is really trying!’