It took Arsenal supporters just 45 minutes of their friendly clash against AC Milan in Singapore to declare that they have had enough of a player who has been a regular starter under Mikel Arteta.
Gabriel Martinelli came under fire from Gunners supporters for his display against the Serie A club following a goalless first half that was high on energy but low on quality in the final third.
Gooners particularly lamented the contribution of the Brazil international star, who was replaced at half-time.
“Martinelli is playing against us,” one fan lamented on X.
Another added: “If we’re keeping Martinelli then we’re in trouble.”
Arsenal had been linked with a move for Real Madrid star Rodrygo earlier in the summer, and this has perhaps driven up expectations on Martinelli to shine after Arteta refused to pay €100 million for the 24-year-old.
Certainly, supporters are growing impatient with him.
“In Smith Rowe’s last two seasons, I had this lingering feeling that the team had moved past him so much that he began to look out of place whenever he would play….I feel like that watching Martinelli now,” another Arsenal fan commented.
In particular, supporters are concerned that he’s not learning from his mistakes.
“Martinelli’s decision-making is too scatty for a team that’s looking to win the PL and CL,” one grumbled.
In defence of Martinelli
Football.London offered a more positive assessment of his performance, explaining: “Arsenal threatened more down the opposite side of the pitch and the Brazilian was limited at times. Unlucky to see Saelemaekers nip in before him after Norgaard put in such an inviting cross.”
Martinelli was given a 5/10 mark by the source, which was the lowest mark of anyone in Arteta’s ranks along with Oleksandr Zinchenko, who played at left-back.
Indeed, his display was seen as a positive by another fan, who argued: “Gabriel Martinelli using up his annoying, frustrating moments quota in pre-season so he’ll be ready to bang 20 in once the season starts. Rate it.”
One half of pre-season is not enough to judge a player’s form ahead of a new campaign, particularly given that he is still building his fitness and getting up to match speed.
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