Some Arsenal fans are begging Mikel Arteta to start Gabriel Martinelli against Manchester City after the Spanish coach revealed his plans for the game in his pre-match press conference (via Arsenal.com).
The Spanish coach has seemingly revealed that Alexandre Lacazette is in his plans to start the game after impressing off the bench to score the winning goal against West Ham United in the Premier League on the weekend.
With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang likely to start as he is club-captain and Mesut Ozil and Nicolas Pepe being favoured by Arteta in recent matches, there may only be one attacking spot up for grabs in the starting line-up. Arteta has started Eddie Nketiah up front in recent games but with Lacazette’s form as well, it may be difficult for Martinelli to squeeze in.
The Brazilian has managed three goals in the Premier League so far, more than Mesut Ozil and Eddie Nketiah, so he will be hoping his superior goal-scoring record may give him the nod over at least a couple of the attacking players to start against City (via Transfermarkt).
These Arsenal fans have been calling for the 18-year old to start:
I need Martinelli to play this game though
— Adrian (@KimaniAdrian) March 10, 2020
MARTINELLI really has to play. We need Aubameyang’s speed to Disturb Fernandinho and Otamendi. Then Martinelli’s skill against walker. @m8arteta please!
— Oseni (@o_jibby) March 10, 2020
He should play martinelli auba upfront. Bellerin dsnt fit this kind of https://t.co/SdbzWqRvse AMN to help in curtailing sterling excesses. It is a must win match if they really want to go for @ChampionsLeague next season.
— Seemah’s Couture (@seemahs_couture) March 10, 2020
martinelli auba pepe have to start pls love you
— arté (@afcarte) March 10, 2020
if you don’t start Martinelli we are getting beaten
— ™ (@ndagijerichie) March 10, 2020
Please play soares at rb, tierney lb, martinelli lw, Auba striker, pepe rw, ozil cam, ceballos xhaka, luiz mari/mustafi at the back. Sub auba to laca if not efficient, saka to martinelli, pepe to nelson
— Black (@BlackHafizudin) March 10, 2020
Arsenal fans, do you think Martinelli should start against Manchester City? Does he get into Arsenal’s best eleven? Let us know in the comments down below.
