Why Gabriel Martinelli Arsenal's Key to Title Hopes in Upcoming Liverpool Clash

In a high-stakes Premier League season, Arsenal’s ambitions rest on the shoulders of key players, none more crucial than Martinelli Arsenal. Known as Liverpool’s “talent of the century,” Gabriel Martinelli’s return to form could prove pivotal for Arsenal in Sunday’s clash against Liverpool, a match that may determine the trajectory of their title campaign.


This season is one of Arsenal’s best chances to reclaim league glory, but it requires every asset in Mikel Arteta’s squad firing on all cylinders—and Martinelli may be their secret weapon.

Arsenal’s Recent History: The Stumbling Blocks

Last season, the Gunners were a team transformed, leading the league for most of the campaign before a painful slip saw them overtaken by Manchester City. Their visit to Anfield on April 9, 2023, marked the beginning of a rough patch that ultimately derailed their title bid. Arriving on the back of a seven-match winning streak, Arsenal seemed poised to maintain their advantage. Gabriel Martinelli scored within the first eight minutes, and shortly after, assisted a goal by Gabriel Jesus. Arsenal looked set to take the crown, turning hope into palpable belief.

However, Liverpool had other plans. Mohamed Salah pulled one back just before halftime, and despite missing a penalty in the second half, the home side wrestled control from Arsenal. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, starting a streak of three consecutive draws for Arsenal. That blip turned into a freefall, leading to a critical loss at the Etihad Stadium that effectively handed City the title. For Martinelli, that match at Anfield was both a peak and turning point, a reminder of his potential to lead yet an indicator of the consistency needed for title-winning form.

The "Talent of the Century"

Gabriel Martinelli’s path to the Premier League was anything but conventional. At just 18 years old, he arrived at Arsenal from Ituano, a club deep in Brazil’s footballing lower tiers. Yet, his rapid acclimation to top-flight football was undeniable, with early performances hinting at his potential. Liverpool’s then-manager, Jurgen Klopp, famously labeled him the “talent of the century,” after witnessing his audacious playing style and scoring ability in the 2019 Carabao Cup. Klopp, known for spotting talent, continued to praise Martinelli in later meetings, calling him “an outstanding player” during Arsenal’s League Cup semi-final exit in 2022. Such high praise marked Martinelli as a future star, placing enormous expectations on his shoulders.

At Arsenal, Martinelli quickly became a fan favorite. His explosive pace, fearless dribbling, and eye for goal made him a standout amid Arsenal’s rebuilding phase. He was part of a young core alongside Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, offering glimpses of a dynamic Arsenal future. This trio embodied the club’s transition under Arteta, from the struggling squads of past seasons to a team on the cusp of greatness.

Rising in 2022-23: Martinelli’s Breakout

The 2022-23 season saw Martinelli emerge as a major contributor, recording 15 goals and five assists in the Premier League. As part of a formidable attacking unit with Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and captain Martin Odegaard, Martinelli’s pace and creativity were crucial. This front four personified Arsenal’s return to a dominant playing style, applying relentless pressure on opponents. Their goal-scoring power led Arsenal to the league’s top position for nearly the entire season, and many believed that, with Martinelli’s performances, Arsenal would finally lift their first Premier League trophy in nearly two decades.

The explosive combination of speed, technical skill, and confidence made Martinelli a top talent. Some fans even began comparing him to the likes of Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo, suggesting he could contend for a starting spot in Brazil’s national team. Yet, while Martinelli’s talent was evident, sustaining it consistently became the ultimate test.

Losing Momentum: Struggles in 2023-24

After his impressive 2022-23 season, Martinelli’s momentum faltered. By the end of the 2023-24 season, his goal and assist counts had dropped, leading to questions about his role in Arteta’s evolving lineup. Despite only missing one game, Martinelli’s output fell sharply, revealing challenges in his style and how he fit within a team increasingly focused on defensive stability. Arsenal continued to challenge Manchester City until the season’s final days, ultimately surpassing their previous point and goal tallies. Yet, Martinelli’s form dip highlighted his reliance on confidence and rhythm.

One of the key factors impacting Martinelli’s role was Arteta’s tactical shift. The manager focused on making Arsenal “streetwise,” emphasizing a more cautious, measured style of play. This pivot led to fewer chances for players like Martinelli to operate freely, pushing him to adapt. Additionally, the departure of Granit Xhaka, who had developed a seamless partnership with Martinelli on the left side, disrupted his game. Xhaka’s replacement, Declan

Rice, brought fresh qualities but lacked the intuitive connection with Martinelli that had yielded much of Arsenal’s attacking fluidity the previous season. Compounded by Kai Havertz’s struggles in the midfield role, Martinelli’s production declined, forcing him to reevaluate his approach.

Returning to Form: Martinelli’s Comeback and Key Matches

This season has seen glimpses of the Martinelli Arsenal once relied upon. Despite a challenging start to the campaign marked by injuries and lineup adjustments, he has shown renewed promise. Martinelli’s last three Premier League outings saw him score twice and assist twice, playing a starring role in Arsenal’s hard-fought Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk. Reflecting on his recent performances, Martinelli spoke humbly of his focus on contributing to the team rather than individual accolades, emphasizing the unity within the squad.

While Arteta’s squad faces the season’s worst injury crisis, with doubts over the availability of Saka and Odegaard, Martinelli’s form has become even more critical. Arteta will likely depend on the Brazilian’s energy, intensity, and ability to create openings. If Martinelli can exploit Liverpool’s defensive weaknesses, Arsenal will gain the boost they need against a formidable opponent.

Sunday’s Showdown: Liverpool vs. Arsenal

This weekend’s clash against Liverpool brings a fresh challenge for Arsenal. Liverpool, now under the guidance of manager Arne Slot, has evolved into a more disciplined, balanced side. Slot has dialed back Liverpool’s aggressive, high-pressing tactics, trading chaos for control, and this new system has allowed Liverpool to rise as league leaders. With fewer open spaces in their backline, Martinelli may find it harder to navigate; however, Liverpool’s right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold, remains a potential weak spot.

Alexander-Arnold has been both a creative force and a defensive vulnerability, and Martinelli’s speed and dribbling could be Arsenal’s best hope of capitalizing. Given Liverpool’s near-perfect start to the season, the Gunners must play with precision and aggression. Although a draw would not be catastrophic, a win would give Arsenal renewed confidence in their title pursuit.

Martinelli’s unpredictable, fast-paced style may be just what Arsenal needs to break through Liverpool’s disciplined defense. Arteta, likely aware of Martinelli’s strengths in this scenario, will emphasize the winger’s role in pressing Liverpool’s backline, aiming to exploit any gaps created by Alexander-Arnold’s forward surges.

Arsenal’s Title Dream: Pinned on Martinelli’s Success

As Arsenal grapples with injuries and the pressures of a title chase, Martinelli’s performance will be a significant factor. His determination and ability to operate both as a touchline dribbler and an inside-forward provide Arteta with valuable tactical flexibility. A good performance against Liverpool would bolster his confidence and potentially catalyze Arsenal’s form in the challenging months ahead.
If Martinelli can rediscover his 2022-23 consistency and play with the confidence that initially won him praise from Klopp and fans alike, Arsenal’s title dream could become a reality. Klopp’s early assessment of him as a “talent of the century” resonates now more than ever.

References
https://www.goal.com/en-ng/lists/arsenal-talent-century-gabriel-martinelli-best-form-liverpool-premier-league-title-dreams/bltf31c5dc8e5d1ae7d#csb601329491865089