Martinelli must work out a new way or face bench role

Brazilian sparkled last term but now faces threat from Trossard

- Simon Collings

WHEN it comes to work ethic, there are few players in the Arsenal squad who can match Gabriel Martinelli.

Steve Round, one of manager Mikel Arteta’s former assistants, describes the Brazilian as someone who trains “like it’s his last day on earth” — and it is why he is so loved among Arsenal’s coaching staff. Indeed, in a team meeting this season, Arteta showed the team a clip of Martinelli tracking back in training to emphasise the work-rate he demands.

The frustration for Martinelli is that, for all his brilliant defensive work, he has struggled in front of goal this year.

The winger finished last season as Arsenal’s joint-top scorer in the Premier League with 15 goals, and he also chipped in with five assists.

But Martinelli has scored only eight times in 41 appearances in all competitions this campaign. His form is in stark contrast to the rest of Arsenal’s front-three, especially Bukayo Saka on the opposite flank.

Saka is the Gunners’ top scorer this season, with 19 goals and 14 assists, while Kai Havertz is also excelling as a centre-forward.