Originally Posted by
21_GOONER_SALUTE
Blaming Arteta for Gabriel Jesus's downturn could be allowed and understood to an extent...but Martinelli, no, now its clear you are just playing favourites.
He is undoubtedly the new teacher's pet. He's started games that he doesn't deserve to start (at least you kind of admit this) and played minutes anyone with his contributory stats (or should I say lack of) would kill for. A close to expired Sterling in only one start, has doubled all of Martinelli's contribution this season. Stats do not tell the whole story but an absence of any sensible stat both domestically and internationally should ring alarm bells.
Comparing his potential with Saka's is even more bewildering. I mean though he has looked jaded and poor this season (I have said this in practically every match thread ), every single goal we have scored in the league (except for Califiori's goal ) has come from his direct effort. That's what a poor Saka gives you i.e. almost 11 points in our case. How there can still be any rumblings on who is the better or more important player baffles me.
Anyway this is all academic, like I said earlier, I actually think Arteta has realised he needs to move on from Martinelli. AFAIAC, both him and Jesus have mainly themselves to blame for being stuck in such a shitty loop (for over a year now) and making themselves look so dispensable.
Look at Kai Havertz, a limited player in all aspects, yet he's learnt to live and thrive in Artetaball and now has the stats to support this. I think both Jesus and Martinelli can be accused of being mentally lazy and that's why I have little time for them.
Anyway, I'd start him against Leicester simply because he's a workhorse and I actually think that game is going to be a lot tougher and physically draining than a lot of us think it will be (close to Villa like).
However if I am looking for a goal, Trossard and Sterling would always be ahead of him; and I don't think anyone needs to make any fantastical arguments to back this assertion