Arsenal’s Dilemma: Will Arteta Bench a Struggling Star for the Make-or-Break Man City Battley
Shaka Hislop stated on ESPN that it is time for Mikel Arteta to make a change to his Arsenal team, as Leandro Trossard has been performing well and Gabriel Martinelli has not.
Arsenal has encountered its first significant setback of the season. The Premier League leaders have now gone three games without a victory in all competitions.
There exists a universe in which the Gunners lead the league by nine points on Wednesday, with a game in hand. There is also a possibility that they will be in second place after their match with Manchester City.
A sage recommends Trossard to replace Martinelli.
Obviously, Arteta’s starting lineup for the majority of this season has contributed to Arsenal’s success. However, the entrance of Trossard in January has thrown a wrench into the works.
In the recent victory over Manchester United, the substitute Belgian was outstanding. He has already opened his account for the Gunners with a goal against Brentford on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Martinelli has endured a difficult period. His last goal or assist occurred prior to the new year. In each of the last two games, he has been replaced around the hour mark.
Arsenal must make a monumental decision with Manchester City up next. However, Hislop believes that Trossard has now earned the right to start before Martinelli.
“I don’t think Martinelli has been great,” he told ESPN. “And Trossard, when he has come on, has had an impact. So if you’re Arteta, I think the time is right to now think: ‘well, do I now play Trossard from the very start?’
“Now, Martinelli is quick, and defences coming up against that kind of pace, you have to adjust just for that pure speed that Martinelli brings. But he hasn’t had much of an impact. He’s not been playing well.
“So the easy change I think given the form of Trossard, given the fact that he’s finally got on the scoresheet for Arsenal, is that you have to play him from the very start.”
It appears as though Martinelli could benefit from a respite. He has not been performing at his peak for some time. Given the importance of the inside forwards to Arteta’s system, this certainly has an affect on those around him.
Trossard will be filled with confidence after scoring his first goal for Arsenal. Fans of Brighton would tell you that he frequently saved his greatest efforts for the most formidable opponents.
Therefore, it seems like a no-brainer to use him on Wednesday against Manchester City. It is unfortunate that Martinelli will not be able to start. However, he likely has few complaints at the moment.
Arsenal’s Dilemma: Will Arteta Bench a Struggling Star for the Make-or-Break Man City Battley
