By Sumaiya Vawda
On the 2nd of July 2019, Arsenal announced the signing of Gabriel Martinelli from Brazilian second division side, Ituano.
A slight-framed, fresh-faced Martinelli spoke of his excitement to join the club. Fans quickly turned their focus to the next potential incoming as there were more pressing squad roles to fill than that of unknown teenage talent.
Alas, the boy from São Paulo was primed to surprise. The 18-year-old shone during pre-season and shortly after that made his league debut against Newcastle in August. By September, he had his first Arsenal goal- a driven header from a first-time Calum Chambers' cross.
And while Arsenal's league form fluctuated under Unai Emery, the Europa League was a welcome escape in which Martinelli spearheaded the attack in the group stage.
His 10 goals and 4 assists across all competitions promised movement, speed, ball-carrying and incredible ability to take shots in good positions. The speedster scored against West Ham during Freddie Ljungberg's managerial stint, but Arteta initially used him hesitantly.
It often seemed the Spaniard could only accommodate one forward who primarily operated out of possession. Thus, in Aubameyang's absence, Martinelli scored Arsenal's 2019/20 goal of the season against Chelsea.
A Mustafi defensive header from a Chelsea corner fell to Martinelli, who carried the ball across the length of the pitch and slotted the goal calmly away in front of the Arsenal away support.
Injury struck his fledgling career in June 2020 and kept him out of action for about five months. Upon his return, Arteta started him against Man City in the Carabao Cup quarterfinals. He provided an assist in an energised performance but unfortunately felt a twitch and had to be substituted shortly after halftime.
Concerns over his robustness were rife. Arteta would then use him sparingly until November 2021, when a goal from a chipped ball over his shoulder appeared to reignite his Arsenal career.
It was a bumpy road until that moment as Arteta was often displeased by the player's lack of positional discipline and even substituted him for this reason on occasion.
A mere 10 months ago, Arteta called for patience with Martinelli, stating, "Sometimes he doesn't understand my decisions, but the only reason I make them is to help him. He has to improve when he doesn't play. You have to know how to suffer when you are on the bench."
Fast forward to the present, and the Brazilian has earned his positional and playmaking chops. His delivery on corners is impeccably consistent, his body shape is bulkier, and he's spinning away from duels with strength and speed. He has maintained the high pressing energy and has some facial hair to boot.
Against Leicester, Wesley Fofana could only stop Martinelli by handling him. His goal sequence started with him winning the ball back on the halfway line. In a short time span, he has struck up an excellent playing rapport with Gabriel Jesus.
The increased passing and movement impetus on the left side means that opposition teams cannot simply choke Arsenal's right to nullify the attack. Martinelli has been a great source of joy to watch - from an unknown energy rocket to a refined winger.
He may evolve as the team grows and he competes with the likes of Saka, Smith Rowe and Vieira. But there is a sense that the best of Martinelli is only emerging, and long may the revolution continue!
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