Gabriel Martinelli Was Extremely Poor vs Wolves

Far from vintage Arsenal, it took a Sam Johnstone own goal in the 70th minute for Mikel Arteta‘s side to score against relegation-threatened Wolverhampton Wanderers. Centre-forward Viktor Gyokeres struggled to get anything to stick as he endured a difficult night despite the win – but it’s a teammate of the Swede’s who should be offloaded.

Arsenal, widely regarded as one of the biggest clubs to never win the Champions League, pushed and prodded for a goal like the title-chasers typically do, but there were very few moments in the first half which caused Wolves that much of a problem.

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Arsenal defeated Wolves 2-1 in a dramatic Premier League encounter on Saturday evening.

A calamity which encapsulated Wolves’ season, a teasing corner from the talismanic Bukayo Saka hit the inside of the post and bounced off the back of Johnstone into the back of the net to earn the home side the lead. Wolves, however, did manage to grab an equaliser in the 90th minute, but the north Londoners responded four minutes later to win 2-1.

Arsenal Ace Flatters To Deceive Despite 2-1 Win Over Wolves

It was far from Arsenal’s finest night at the Emirates Stadium given that many believed that Saturday’s final fixture could become bloodbath-like. But their moxie, or lack thereof, in the final third prevented them from producing a statement victory against the Premier League‘s worst-ranked team Wolves. Gabriel Martinelli was part of the problem.

Stationed off the left flank with the aforementioned Gyokeres operating through the middle and Saka on the opposite wing, Martinelli failed to pull up any trees during his 58-minute cameo, and he was rightfully replaced by Leandro Trossard two minutes shy of the hour mark.

Statistically, he took four shots (none of which were on target) and completed just 12 of his 18 passes (67%) in what was a pretty lacklustre performance from someone who needs to stamp their authority on the left wing berth. Five of his recorded 32 touches were in a very congested Wolves box, granted, but the Brazilian struggled to produce anything of note.

Trossard can play in Martinelli’s position, as can former Chelsea man Noni Madueke, who was signed in the summer. Eberechi Eze, although he operates best from a central hub, can also operate to the left of the striker.

Looking ahead, the Gunners – who, although Manchester City now have a game in hand, extend their gap to five points at the summit of the table – would be wise to cut their losses and sell the 24-year-old in January. Between now and then, Trossard is (by far!) the much better option. Slower, perhaps, but far more influential.

Born in Guarulhos, Martinelli was signed from Ituano in his homeland in the summer of 2019 and there was plenty of excitement surrounding the young Brazilian winger. He’s enjoyed moments of brilliance, no doubt, but if Arsenal are to break their Premier League title drought in the coming years (and potentially months), Martinelli will need to be shipped on.

Arsenal Fans Respond to Martinelli’s Poor Display, They Want Him Sold

Doing big business in January is not typical, but that’s not to say that Arsenal will not go out and grab another winger to replace Martinelli should the 20-cap Brazil international be on the chopping block – which, after his poor performance against Wolves, should be the case. Fans, especially, are not very pleased with how he played and have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to voice their displeasure.

“Martinelli should never start a game for Arsenal again,” one supporter said as another added: “Sell Martinelli. He’s the most useless player who offers next to nothing down that left side. He’s just there to run a few yards and pass the ball to his side.” Another claimed that Trossard is the much better option on the left by commenting: “Trossard is like 3x the player Martinelli is. Laughable.”

A fourth fan claimed that the mid-season transfer window is the perfect opportunity for Arsenal to cash in on the Brazilian and buy a replacement. “I think Martinelli should be the number one person to be sold this winter. He has to be improved on,” as another added: “Martinelli off, and we’ve already created something off the left. He’s a shocking player, man.”

All statistics per FotMob – correct as of 13/12/2025