‘Needs to do a lot more’… Jamie Redknapp says one Arsenal player just hasn’t been good enough lately

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Jamie Redknapp has criticised Gabriel Martinelli after Arsenal suffered a disappointing defeat at Fulham today.

Arsenal got off to a flyer at Craven Cottage as Bukayo Saka opened the scoring inside the opening five minutes.

But the Gunners failed to stamp their authority on the game and Raul Jimenez levelled things up on the half-hour mark.

Mikel Arteta’s men were eventually undone by some sloppy defending from a set piece which led to Bobby De Cordova-Reid smashing the ball past David Raya. 

Today’s loss means Arsenal have suffered back-to-back defeats in the league for the first time this season.

And Jamie Redknapp has highlighted Gabriel Martinelli’s recent displays as a cause for concern.

Redknapp says Martinelli hasn’t been good enough this season

Speaking on Sky Sports after today’s game, Redknapp insisted that Arsenal remain firmly in the race for the Premier League title. 

But the former Tottenham midfielder feels Martinelli has been way below par recently.

“In wide areas, I certainly think Martinelli needs to do a lot more,” he said. “I’ve never had a problem with Saka.

“Martinelli needs to add more. He got taken off against West Ham, and got taken off again today. That’s not good enough in terms of his performance.”

Martinelli was replaced by Trossard in the 67th minute after an underwhelming display. It’s fair to say the Brazilian hasn’t been at his best this term, having managed just four goal involvements in 18 league appearances. 

Arsenal have struggled in the final third of late, with both Saka and Martinelli failing to find space on either flank.

That is largely down to opposition sides doubling up on the Arsenal duo. But Arteta will need to find a way to get the best out of Martinelli once again.

The Gunners remain just two points behind leaguer leaders Liverpool and while recent results haven’t been great, things could turnaround quickly.