Arsenal ace Gabriel Martinelli has vowed to try to improve against Aston Villa. The forward believes he can deliver improved performances than he managed against Manchester City.
The 21-year-old endured a difficult night during Wednesday’s 3-1 defeat to the Citizens. He struggled to make much of an impact at home to the defending Premier League champions in the top-of-the-table match. Mikel Arteta would also hook the Brazilian after 76 minutes.
Leandro Trossard replaced Martinelli shortly after Jack Grealish restored Manchester City’s lead at Arsenal. Arteta called time on the attacker’s game having waned as the second half wore on. He had caused Pep Guardiola’s side fleeting problems in the opening 45 minutes.
Martinelli often maintained his usual levels of tenacity whilst running around the pitch. But Arsenal struggled to use the six-cap international to the best of his abilities as Manchester City established control. He also struggled to create many chances when he got on the ball.
The Citizens’ would ultimately hold Martinelli to his sixth Premier League outing without a goal or an assist. He last scored on New Year’s Eve during the Gunners’ 4-2 win at Brighton & Hove Albion. Also, he has not laid on an assist since beating Liverpool 3-2 on October 9.
Martinelli vows to improve as Arsenal visit Aston Villa after his Man City struggles
Only Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka, after scoring against Manchester City, have scored more frequently for Arteta’s side this term than Martinelli. They have hit eight goals to the Brazilian’s seven. They are also their lead assist makers on six and eight.
Martinelli has only registered two assists with his last coming 14 appearances ago. He also penned each of his two in October having also laid on a goal to beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-1. So, Martinelli is now determined to improve when Arsenal visit Aston Villa on Saturday.
Martinelli told talkSPORT: “I think I can improve. I think everyone in the team can improve. I always try to rewatch the game and see what my mistakes were and try to improve.
“It’s not going to be different with this game. I am going to rewatch the game and see my mistakes and try to improve for the next game.”
Arteta will hope Martinelli can improve on his performance against Manchester City when Arsenal visit Aston Villa. Per WhoScored, he failed to take a single shot against the Citizens. It was only his second time this term with the other their 1-0 defeat at Everton this month.
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