"Starting games in big 2024", "He is my problem" - Arsenal fans react as Mikel Arteta names 23-year-old star in XI for Newcastle United clash
Arsenal fans have reacted on social media as manager Mikel Arteta named Gabriel Martinelli in their starting lineup to face Newcastle United. The Gunners are visiting St. James' Park for their Premier League clash today (November 2).
The Gunners will look to leave Newcastle Upon Tyne with a win. This will help them overtake Liverpool and move into second place on the Premier League table. However, Arteta's decision to start Martinelli has given fans some concern.
The 23-year-old winger has had a few impressive performances in the Premier League this season, scoring twice and providing two assists in nine games. However, his last goal for the club came in his 30-minute cameo against Southampton in the Gunners' 3-1 win on October 5.
Despite starting their last three games in a row, Martinelli has struggled to perform brilliantly in front of goal. In his hour-long spell on the pitch in Arsenal's 3-0 EFL Cup win against Preston North End earlier this week, he was unable to make his mark.
This dip in form has led fans to question Arteta's decision to start him against Newcastle with comments like these:
"Martinelli starting games in big 2024ðŸ˜ðŸ˜" a fan cried.
"Martinelli is my problem. I hope he make his runs a fruitful one," another fan complained.
"Martinelli you better play well tsk." a fan warned.
"Whatever Martinelli and Havertz did to Arteta," another fan wondered.
"Martinelli must score today or at least [find] two assists," a fan promised.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta speaks about young talent Ethan Nwaneri
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has spoken about young Gunners talent Ethan Nwaneri. The 17-year-old midfielder has impressed in his cameo appearances so far this season, with the manager trusting him with first-team opportunities.
While his four appearances in the Premier League have come as a substitute, he has been handed two starts in their EFL Cup matches. In their 5-1 win over Bolton Wandererers in September, he scored two goals and also got on the scoresheet in the recent 3-0 win against Preston North End.
Arteta has spoken about Nwaneri, saying (via BBC):
"The biggest thing is to push him and then when he is pushing you grab him from behind to make sure he is stable and protected. This talent you have to push him. Protection is necessary, keeping an eye on him, but he needs to see that he can go and fly and not cut his wings."
The youngster will hope he can secure more playing time under Mikel Arteta, as Arsenal continue their hunt for a trophy this season.