Timo Werner

22nd best LW in the world doesn't sound that bad... even before we analyse the likes of Werner, Garnacho, Sancho et al

"I would prefer playing GJ9 on the left."
- crazy talk


"Even Trossard who has been terrible in the middle of the park should make a much better left winger for us."
- Trossard is as bad, if not worse, when he starts on the left.

"I was shocked to see a no-name Newcastle RB get the better of him on Saturday."
- £40m right back who has been called up to England.


He is clearly lacking confidence, but the set-up isn't helping any of the attackers. Hopefully when Odegaard is back and Merino up to speed we will see improvement in our attack as a whole.

Some links to Rafael Leao before, but he is going through similar to Martinelli!

Martinelli thrives in a counter-attacking team or at least against an opposition that is not sitting back deep.

A lot of teams we play against sit back with men behind the ball, especially when they go 1 nil up like Newcastle did, after that our entire team struggled to break them down, not just Martinelli.

He is not the most skilful Brazilian you'll ever see but he's not devoid of skill, just devoid of confidence in a team that has been struggling offensively for the majority of the season, especially since we lost our only real creative force.

I gave Marti the benefit of the doubt when he was playing with Zinchenko behind him because that would hinder even Messi in his prime, but I'm really disappointed he still hasnt got anywhere near close to his best form!

In fairness our attack as a whole has been god awful without Odegaard, we basically rely on Saka individual magic or a set piece. When he's back, hopefully it will start to click.

Talk of Kudus with Trossard leaving. I think for Martinelli it will either be a reduced role or he will leave long term. This bad run of form has gone on too long now.

Think he's been found out if im honest. He's basically a head down and run player but that only gets you so far.

Amount of times he has the ball and then just needs to play a simple pass.

His finishing is also get pretty bad, that chance against Bournemouth basically cost us. When you're struggling and you get a simple chance like that you need to take it.

I was shocked we didnt try and sign Neto before Chelsea got him. Guy has the pace of Martinelli but also has other bows to his strings.

Martinelli looked better when Calafiori was playing LB if I'm looking to defend him. Overall though, the lad just hasn't been clinical enough.

Merino hasn't really stood out yet. Don't blame the fella after being injured straight away, but we really need him up to speed.

Yeah Neto looks really good but isnt he really injury prone or am I thinking of someone else?

Watching some of your game at the weekend, you lacked true creativity in the CM and the ball wasn't moved quickly enough to find Martinelli in space. Slow transitions not helped by missing Odegard and in its place a very functional strong CM but no real ballers.

I know you are missing your main creator but Arteta does seem to have gone very defensive this season. Basically playing 4 CBs across the back, 2 physical destroyers in midfield and 3 when Odegard isnt playing and then no true striker but 2 AMs who also drop deep to help out.

I was surprised that Sterling didnt come on at the weekend. At least he runs at people.

comment by Chris H (U15205)
posted 19 hours, 14 minutes ago
I gave Marti the benefit of the doubt when he was playing with Zinchenko behind him because that would hinder even Messi in his prime, but I'm really disappointed he still hasnt got anywhere near close to his best form!

In fairness our attack as a whole has been god awful without Odegaard, we basically rely on Saka individual magic or a set piece. When he's back, hopefully it will start to click.
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Mate Martinelli scored 15 non penalty PL goes in 22/23 with Zinchenko behind him.

Martinelli has never been the type of player that can take on a FB and dribble past him. His asset is his speed on the counter. He tends to fade out of games against teams who sit back