Mikel Arteta issues warning concerning ‘special’ Arsenal player

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Mikel Arteta has warned that Arsenal need to avoid putting too much pressure on Gabriel Martinelli following his recent return from injury, in comments reported by Football London. 

The pressure continues to pile on Arteta. The Gunners are just a handful of points above the relegation zone in the Premier League. And they were dealt another blow at the weekend as they were beaten 2-1 by Everton.

There was one positive to emerge from the defeat for Arsenal supporters. Martinelli made his first senior appearance since early March as he came off the bench with just under 20 minutes remaining.

The 19-year-old will be hoping to pick up where he left off before his injury. He had scored 10 goals in his first 26 appearances in all competitions for the club.

And of course, his solo strike in the draw at Chelsea in January will live long in the memory.

Arsenal certainly appear to need similar inspiration right now. But Arteta has suggested that the expectations for the Brazilian need to be low initially.

“We cannot put that pressure on his shoulders,” he said, as reported by Football London. “It’s not fair for him. He brings that enthusiasm that the fans can see because he’s got something special, a special energy every time he steps on that field.

“But remember that Gabi, what he’s done in the Premier League the time that he’s been with us is very limited. Let him develop, like we are doing with many other young kids that we have here.”

In fairness to the Arsenal fans, it does not appear that they are getting carried away about Martinelli’s return. Of course, they are excited to have him back.

But it seems unlikely that he will come in for any criticism if he is not able to hit the ground running.