'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAHAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUH/8QAFAEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA//aAAwDAQACEAMQAAAAxigC3//EAB4QAQACAQQDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECBAMABRESFCEx/9oACAEBAAE/AI2sEJ2qXhTs1cObDHPZ78Tx8qAC+zs6dspqpt0Efiz41//EABQRAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD/2gAIAQIBAT8Af//EABQRAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD/2gAIAQMBAT8Af//Z'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Arsenal legend Martin Keown has cast doubt over Gabriel Martinelli's position in the Gunners' starting XI. The north London giants will face Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday, September 22.
Mikel Arteta's men drew 0-0 against Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League on Thursday night (September 19). The Serie A side came close to taking the lead at the start of the second half after being awarded a penalty.
However, David Raya's exceptional saves, including stopping the penalty and the subsequent attempt on the rebound, kept things level. Martinelli had arguably one of Arsenal's best chances in the second half after receiving Raheem Sterling's pass and taking a touch into the box.
However, the Brazilian failed to find the back of the net, with the game ending goalless. Keown told TNT Sports after the game (via Metro):
"[Martin] Odegaard is, without doubt, a big loss because he kind of sets everything going. He runs out into that pocket for [Bukayo] Saka, opens up the space for him and can feed him."
"[Kai] Havertz was a little bit fixed tonight, wasn’t moving in the same way, they tried to drop him and out, I don’t think that worked, you’ve got to have an out and out striker – maybe [Leandro] Trossard comes in at the weekend to fill that role," he continued.
The former Arsenal defender added on Martinelli:
"Although maybe Martinelli’s position is in question, in front of goal he needs a little bit more composure, but I think the manager will stick with him."
Martinelli has yet to register a goal contribution in five games across competitions for Arsenal this season.
"I think that would be my concern" - Rio Ferdinand says Arsenal 'have to be more clinical' against Manchester City
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has raised concerns over Arsenal's finishing after their goalless draw against Atalanta. The pundit insists the Gunners must be more decisive in front of goal and convert the few chances they get against Manchester City this weekend.
Arsenal have had a strong start to the 2024-25 campaign, securing 10 out of possible 12 points this term. However, the north Londoners still fall short of City in the title race as Pep Guardiola's side are yet to drop points this season.
The two sides will lock horns in a crunch Premier League fixture at the Etihad, offering Arsenal the opportunity to leapfrog their rivals to the top of the league.
However, Ferdinand is worried about the Gunners' lackluster finishing display against Atalanta ahead of this weekend's showdown. He told TNT Sports (via Metro):
"I think that would be my concern at the weekend, I think the creativity, it’s something you look at today, the manager said it in his post-game comments, bit sloppy, ball retention wasn’t where it wanted to be."
"And that will have to improve, they’ll have to be more clinical and decisive when they get that one or two opportunities. Let’s face it, City aren’t going to give them five or six opportunities, I’ll be surprised if they get that," he added.
The former Manchester United defender concluded:
"Today, Martinelli had a really good chance and he wasn’t composed enough. They are areas where they’ll have to clean up their act if they’re going to get anything against Man City."
