Martinelli becomes the unexpected 'finisher'

Martinelli scored to help Arsenal draw Man City 1-1.

With Arsenal investing more than £250 million in the summer, creating fierce competition for every position, Martinelli lost his starting place. He started only two of the first six games of the season, leaving room for Leandro Trossard or Noni Madueke. For many other players, this would have meant frustration, even resignation.

But Martinelli chose a different response: turning frustration into motivation, a kind of “controlled anger” that his senior team-mate Theo Walcott, a former Arsenal player, described.

The Return of a “Finisher”

Against Athletic Club in the League Phase of the Champions League, Martinelli came off the bench, immediately scoring and assisting. Many believed he would start against Man City, but Arteta chose Trossard. It was a psychological blow, but the Brazilian striker did not give up. He only needed 5 touches in the whole match, but one of them became the decisive moment, helping Arsenal keep a precious point.

Martinelli’s speciality is that he brings Arsenal a weapon that few of his teammates have: the ability to sprint in behind the defence. In a team that prefers possession, such off-the-ball runs become a strategic piece of the puzzle, forcing opponents to drop deep and break down a seemingly solid defence.

Martinelli came off the bench and immediately shone.

Arteta knows Martinelli’s worth, but he’s also actively testing him. Last season, the 24-year-old had virtually no direct competition. This season, with Trossard, Eze and Madueke, Arsenal are forcing him to adapt to a new position: from a default starter to a “second-stringer”.

Former Arsenal player Theo Walcott commented very correctly: “Coaches always want to test their players. Arteta is making Martinelli explode because he has to prove himself worthy.” And reality has proven: instead of falling down, the Brazilian player plays with more determination.

Meanwhile, Declan Rice also affirmed: "There are players who will be frustrated when being pushed to the bench. But Martinelli is different, he is always ready to create big moments."

For his part, Martinelli once admitted: “I don’t want to sit on the bench. I want to play 90 minutes every game, but the coach has his reasons and everyone trusts him.” It was a simple statement but reflected his true nature: patience and desire coexist, making him a rare type of player - not indifferent but always willing to help the team progress.

It was this attitude that made the goal against Man City all the more valuable. It not only brought a point, but also proved to Arteta that he could rely on Martinelli, whether on the bench or in the starting line-up.

Arteta's problem

Arsenal have a rare depth. The trio of Martin Zubimendi - Declan Rice - Mikel Merino brought control, but the first half against Man City lacked breakthrough. The change at half-time - when Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze came on - changed the game. Martinelli was the final piece to concretize that advantage with the equalizer.

This raises the question: is Arteta too conservative in his belief in solid structure rather than deploying attacking players from the start? He denies it, but it is clear that the “finishers” from the bench have made a difference.

Martinelli's goal poses a problem for Mikel Arteta about how to use him.

Perhaps Arteta himself is calculating: keeping Martinelli in a state of “half-challenge, half-acceptance” to exploit his fighting energy to the fullest. A player is only truly great when he knows how to turn injustice into motivation, and Martinelli is entering that phase.

Top football is not only about technique and tactics, but also about psychology. Martinelli carries with him the frustration of a once irreplaceable star now sitting back and waiting for his chance. But instead of turning it into bitterness, he transforms it into speed, determination and efficiency.

Walcott calls it “controlled anger”. Rice sees “heart and desire”. Arteta may also be enjoying a priceless gift: a player who knows how to endure adversity in order to shine at the right time.

The goal against Man City did not immediately turn Martinelli into an untouchable pillar, but it confirmed one thing: Arsenal cannot go far without him. In a season where the “B team” is as important as the “A team”, Martinelli is a symbol of the competitive spirit, the resilience of those who are challenged.

For Arsenal, sometimes a “controlled anger” is the sharpest weapon.

Source: https://znews.vn/martinelli-tro-thanh-ke-ket-lieu-bat-ngo-post1587256.html