Martin Keown Raises Doubts Over Gabriel Martinelli’s Place in Arsenal’s Starting XI Ahead of Man City Clash

Arsenal legend Martin Keown has raised doubts over Gabriel Martinelli’s starting spot for the Gunners’ crucial Premier League clash against Manchester City.

Keown: Martinelli’s Place In Arsenal Starting XI Is In Question

Despite a promising start to the season, Martinelli has endured a goal drought, failing to score or assist in his last 17 appearances for Arsenal.

His performance against Atalanta in the Champions League on Thursday night further highlighted his struggles in front of goal.

Speaking on TNT Sports after the game, former Gunners defender Martin Keown commented on the Brazilian’s recent form.

Keown believes that Mikel Arteta will likely stick with Martinelli for the all-important Manchester City match but acknowledged that his place in the team is under pressure.

“Although maybe Martinelli’s position is in question, in front of goal he needs a little bit more composure,” Keown said.

“It’s a learning process,” Keown added. “You have to go through that and learn as a group, and you draw off one another, you look around the dressing room.

“We were just chatting there to Declan [Rice] about Martinelli – no goal in 17 games now. Is he going to spread that love, that leadership you need?”

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Ferdinand Concerned About Arsenal’s Lack Of Attacking Threat

Fellow pundit Rio Ferdinand echoed Keown’s concerns about Arsenal’s lack of attacking threat in recent games.

“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—a bit sloppy; ball retention wasn’t where it wanted to be,” Ferdinand said.

“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.

“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.”

With the Gunners facing a stern test against the reigning Premier League champions, Martinelli will need to find his scoring touch to help Arsenal secure a positive result.