The clock is ticking for Mikel Arteta to make a decisive shift in his line-up ahead of crucial clashes with Real Madrid in the Champions League. It’s a matter of strategy, and the stakes are high. Mikel Merino, despite his commendable efforts leading the frontline, is no striker by trade. His positioning, while functional, may not hold up against the might of Real Madrid over two legs. The more strategic move could be to deploy Merino as a super-sub, ready to strike a goal in the dying minutes.
This brings us to Gabriel Martinelli, a player whose talents, arguably, have been underutilized in the wrong position. As a winger over the past two seasons, Martinelli’s contributions have been far from impressive. A stark contrast from his 22/23 season performance that had fans and critics alike singing his praises. The shift in opposition tactics, playing a low block against us, has limited the Brazilian’s effectiveness, given his key attribute is speed. His contributions have dwindled to aimless crosses into the box or desperate attempts to win corners.
The solution? Deploy Martinelli up front in central areas, where he could potentially maximize his threat level. However, this does come with a caveat – his finishing needs work. We’ve seen Martinelli squander clear-cut chances, a flaw that needs addressing. When the Brazilian first signed for us, Unai Emery had him in a striker role, and he was netting goals left, right, and center.
Arteta’s decision now could make or break our Champions League Semi-Final dreams. If he sticks to his current rigid structure, our progression in the tournament remains doubtful. Instead, a strategic switch up, bringing Martinelli to the forefront, could be the game-changer we need.
So, Gooners, what’s your take on the situation? Your thoughts and insights are always welcome.