‘Let him fly’: Martin Keown makes Gabriel Martinelli plea after Arsenal loss

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Martin Keown has told BT Sport that Mikel Arteta doesn’t like Arsenal youngster Gabriel Martinelli and called on the boss to unleash the youngster more often.

The Brazilian was once again among the substitutes last night as the Gunners slipped to defeat in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final against Villarreal.

Martinelli came on as a late substitute in the 2-1 defeat but former centre-back Keown believes he should be called upon far more often than he’s being utilised at the moment.

The 19-year-old scored 10 goals during his maiden campaign in England but has struggled to force his way into Arteta’s team this season after recovering from an injury problem.

Keown was quizzed on why he thinks Martinelli hasn’t been in the team and whether or not he should feature more often.

He told BT Sport: “The manager doesn’t like him. It’s as simple as that.

“I’m not there every day, I’m not on the training ground. I thought it was very interesting that Odegaard said ‘this is the best young player I’ve ever seen. He’s from Real Madrid!

“Now’s the time to let him fly. Let’s look at the positives. Let’s support him. When he came into the team I thought he did a great job. Not only was he making runs down the middle but he was coming back. He was like the Duracell bunny.

“Keep him in the team. Play him. You’ve seen what’s happened with Saka and Smith Rowe. Support him.”

Martinelli has made just 18 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring a single goal against Sheffield United.

TBR View: Keown is right about Brazilian sensation

The £90,000-a-week starlet is supremely talented and he should be playing more often than he is right now.

Some Arsenal fans would forgive some poor results if they could see a plan and Martinelli should be a massive part of the bigger picture.

He was in red hot form last season and is a constant menace for opposition defenders whenever he is called upon.

Arsenal’s season has petered out in the Premier League and they must now give everything to overturn last night’s first-leg deficit against Villarreal.

European football will only be on the table next season if they can lift the Europa League and Arteta has plenty of work to do.

It’s time to unshackle Martinelli.