Arsenal fans were left fuming over a lackluster display from one player during their 3-2 loss to Villarreal, calling on Mikel Arteta to make swift moves in the transfer window.
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The 24-year-old started for Mikel Arteta’s side at the Emirates, lining up on the left flank alongside Bukayo Saka and new striker Viktor Gyökeres.
Tasked with leading the attack from the wing, Martinelli struggled to make an impact, leaving fans both in the stadium and online visibly disappointed.
His performance was marked by losing eight out of twelve duels and completing just three of seven attempted dribbles.
Frustration boiled over among the fanbase, especially given the lack of attacking reinforcements before Gyökeres arrived — with only the controversial signing of Noni Madueke — prompting urgent calls for a new left-winger to be signed immediately.
Taking to social media, one fan said: “Sell Martinelli at half time, this guy’s actually rubbish smh.”
A second said: “It’s 15 minutes. Martinelli already lost balls 4 times while in attack. How much do we need to pay him if we just terminate his contract? This is unacceptable.”
Another said: “Gyokeres saw half an hour of Martinelli on the left and decided he would do it instead.”
A fourth added: “Gyokeres goes to the left wing and immediately makes more of an impact than Martinelli. My goodness we need a LW.”
A fifth said: “Saudi if you can hear me please take Gabriel Martinelli.”
While a sixth said: “I cannot do Martinelli for another season, I physically cannot.”
Arsenal’s defeat to Villarreal stirred strong reactions from fans, particularly aimed at Martinelli, whose performance drew criticism despite a key contribution.
The Gunners fell 3-2 to their Spanish opponents, with goals from ex-Arsenal forward Nicolas Pepe—who curiously chose not to celebrate—and Karl Etta Eyong putting Villarreal ahead.
Martinelli, though under fire, offered a moment of brilliance by delivering a pinpoint corner to the far post, where Christian Nørgaard nodded in Arsenal’s first goal in the 36th minute.
His influence waned after the break, and he was eventually subbed off for Noni Madueke in the 77th minute. Villarreal sealed the win with a third goal from Arnaut Danjuma, while Martin Ødegaard converted a late penalty to reduce the deficit.
Arsenal now turn their attention to the Emirates Cup clash against Athletic Bilbao before kicking off their Premier League campaign with a tough away fixture at Old Trafford against Manchester United—who are reportedly close to signing former Arsenal target Benjamin Šeško.
In the transfer market, the Gunners continue to be linked with Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, though recent reports suggest both he and teammate Marc Guéhi are likely to remain at Selhurst Park.
