Arsenal fans baffled by bizarre Gabriel Martinelli decision by Mikel Arteta

Arsenal were beaten 1-0 by Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium yesterday. Afterwards, supporters were disgruntled that Gabriel Martinelli had failed to get on the pitch again.

The Brazilian has been battling back from a serious injury but has been fit and ready to play for a few weeks now.

Mikel Arteta has seemed hesitant to use him in the Premier League though and it’s a situation that is baffling supporters.

(Photo; Stuart MacFarlane; Arsenal FC; Getty Images)

The 19-year-old enjoyed a successful maiden campaign in English football and Arsenal fancied themselves to have a gem on their hands.

He scored 10 goals and claimed four assists during his first season with the Gunners, showcasing his ability to play out wide or as a striker.

This season has been a struggle though since returning from the injury he picked up towards the back end of last season.

He has started just three Premier League games and is yet to get himself a goal contribution.

For whatever reason, Arteta just hasn’t seen enough in him yet to utilise him and that’s a big worry for Arsenal supporters.

Here is what Gunners fans were saying after Arteta’s decision to level the £90,000-a-week Martinelli on the bench again yesterday.

I feel like we should be bleeding the other youngsters in more and giving them more minutes.

Martinelli through the middle over Auba and Lacazette.

Nelson should be getting Willian’s minutes too.

— Jordan Leach (@mrjleach) February 22, 2021

#arsecastextra What’s going on with Martinelli? Arteta seems reluctant to introduce him even as a sub in most games. If he is to live up to the promising potential we’ve been told about, why is he not being used more often?

— Adam Janjua (@JanjuaAdam) February 22, 2021

It would be such a shame. Martinelli surely is an amazing talent. And from ehat I heard, so is Saliba

— Aslanbek Salatov (@Oscar1886) February 22, 2021

Another game where Martinelli was overlooked!! He needs to start playing him instead of Auba/Laca. He can be far more effective thank both of them. Think Arteta is ruining his development this year!!

— And 2014 (@2014And) February 22, 2021

Still can’t believe players like Auba, Laca and Willian still play ahead of Martinelli.

— charlie (@gabiafcc) February 22, 2021

Özil 2.0.
A star on a massive contract who is not the best in his position.
Pepe and Martinelli are clear in that position.

— thatishi (@thatishi) February 22, 2021

Martinelli & Smith Rowe should be in starting 11.. Too much talent to stay in the bench.. Is a shame!!!

— Allen Kimaro (@AllenKimaro1) February 22, 2021

Why is Martinelli not getting minutes?? Getting worried now

— Lee Judges (@leemarkjudges) February 21, 2021

Its a worry that Arteta doesnt rate Martinelli. 😓#afc #arsmci

— PassionateGunner (@10Tolis10) February 21, 2021