Arsenal reacted well to their 2-1 defeat against Villarreal on Sunday with an assured 2-0 win over Newcastle at St James’ Park.
Mikel Arteta’s men secured all three points thanks to Mohamed Elneny’s first ever Premier League goal, and a strike from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The Gabon international’s goal was assisted by Gabriel Martinelli, who whipped in a brilliant cross with his weaker left foot.
It was only the Brazilian’s sixth Premier League start of the season, and Granit Xhaka clearly felt he needed to guide his teammate through the game.
As Football London revealed, the Switzerland international could be heard shouting “Gabi go” when he felt the South American could push on.
When he wanted the 19-year-old to provide support for him, Xhaka could be heard yelling “stay” at the teenager.
Football London add that Arsenal’s No.34 could also be heard offering Martinelli encouragement throughout the 90 minutes in general.
In our view, it is probably safer for the Gunners to play Martinelli when Xhaka is behind him, rather than Kieran Tierney.
The Scotland international loves to overlap and push forward, which leaves Arsenal vulnerable down the left as Martinelli is unlikely to slot in as cover.
In Xhaka’s case, he seems more content to sit and let the left-sided forward do their thing, which makes Martinelli’s life easier.
In our view, Martinelli has earned a start for Arsenal’s crucial clash against Villarreal with his energetic display against Newcastle.
His desire is infectious, and sets the tone for his teammates to press like terriers as well, just like him.
Arteta would be crazy to drop him after such a positive display.
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