“He may have to sit on the bench for a few games” – Kevin Campbell believes Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli could struggle for game time due to his teammate’s form
Gabriel Martinelli might have to warm the Arsenal bench for a few games, according to former Gunner Kevin Campbell. The pundit believes that the rich vein of form that Emile Smith Rowe is enjoying will restrict Martinelli's chances of making the starting XI.
Against Brentford, Smith Rowe reclaimed his place in the Arsenal starting line-up, replacing Martinelli. The Brazilian was serving a one-match suspension after being shown a red card in the home against Wolves on February 10.
The midfielder grabbed the opportunity with both hands, slotting in the opener after some tidy work of individual brilliance. Prior to this, the 'Croydon De Bruyne' had seen Martinelli's purple patch relegate him to cameo appearances off the bench. Speaking to Football Insider, Campbell said:
"Smith Rowe will keep his place, 100 percent. He was been patient, calm and waited for his chance. When he wasn’t in the team he came off the bench and scored. He got his chance and he has taken it. That goal was him in a nutshell. That is the quality he possesses. He picks up the ball, drives at the defenders and gets Arsenal up and running. It was brilliant."
He added:
“Smith Rowe is a wonderful young player. He has produced the goods. Drop him at your peril. Martinelli may have to sit on the bench for a few games because the team performed, especially in the second half."
Emile Smith Rowe has now scored more goals than any other midfielder in the Premier League this season. https://t.co/2IR7Lca6xz
However, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta might not have to choose one young star over the other, with Martinelli being able to play as a striker. In a recent interview with the Athletic, the Brazilian spoke about how he likes playing alongside Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka. He said:
"All the players are unbelievable to me. I love Emile [Smith Rowe] and [Bukayo] Saka; how they play, they are so smart, they read the game so quickly. Honestly, I love playing with them.".
Arsenal's young guns are leading the way
Since Mikel Arteta took over as coach, he has overseen a massive overhaul of the squad. The Spaniard has gotten rid of the aging and disgruntled players who didn't make the cut at Arsenal.
The likes of Mesut Ozil, Shokran Mustafi, Sead Kolasinac, Willian, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have so far been casualties of the shake-up to pave the way for young and hungry replacements.
At an average age of 24 years, the Gunners have the youngest squad in the Premier League this season.
Most Premier League goals scored for Arsenal this season:
◉ 9 - Emile Smith Rowe
◉ 7 - Bukayo Saka
Hale end produces again. 🙌 https://t.co/9OeeqgR8sF
Their top scorer in the EPL is Smith Rowe with nine goals followed by Bukayo Saka on seven. Martinelli and Martin Odegaard are tied at four goals each. Meanwhile, the rear guard of Ramsdale, Tomiyasu, Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes and Kieran Tierney has largely impressed this season.