Claudius We're already doing it in this position. You've noticed our left wing starter generally only plays an hour or 70 minutes tops.

When you factor in the step down on corners won and holding width if we loosen up the rigours of how Martinelli plays this role, we need to be looking at either near world class, or "Saliba" style recruitment at left wing.

We already have Trossard and Jesus as different top drawer "luxury" options who don't have quite the same mobility, stamina and work rate as Martinelli, but are elite when taking on defenders.

Nico Williams seems to fit the bill for us ... and Adingra who can allegedly play both sides is arguably a "Saliba" who could at least put an end to Fabio Vieira at squad level.

Meanwhile it'd be good to see Martinelli actually getting released in transition from time to time. Many excellent wingers would struggle to produce much against the compact and prepared defences we so often face.

      Burnwinter Meanwhile it'd be good to see Martinelli actually getting released in transition from time to time. Many excellent wingers would struggle to produce much against the compact and prepared defences we so often face.

      Would be nice tbh. However it actually happened a couple of times on Sunday. At the time it's what made me think he's kind of double guessing himself and/or low on confidence because he hesitated and allowed someone to catch him, or he made the wrong decision and got crowded out. A confident Martinelli playing instinctively would have bagged a couple goals against Lyon. Hopefully we revert more to how we played with Xhaka-Partey-Zincheno now we have Rice-Partey-Calafiori.

        5 days later

        Love the guy but I'm starting to worry. He hasn't matched the highs of 2-3 seasons ago. His Sanchez runs are becoming less and less effective. Do Timber and Cauliflower help him?

        He's still a pain in the ass to defend compared to others

          He looked poor yesterday. Touch looked awkward and clumsy, some poor decisions in and around the box, and didn't really make any real threatening runs in behind Doherty/Gomes. He and Saka looked worlds apart yesterday.

            Kel Varnsen look at the pass map I shared earlier. Martinelli was one of our highest on deep completions, progressive passes and key passes. He was very active. The team is still a bit stiff but he was active and involved.

              Martinelli's 'activity' and 'involvement' is not in doubt; it's his capacity for precision, cutting edge, composure, seeing the game, and making the right decision that remains a question.

              He set up a couple of good chances off the top of my head. One for Saka and a better one for Kai. He got close to scoring himself too.

              He’s a high volume player and always has been. He was the same when everyone loved him and he scored 15 goals.

              Players of that type always get flak. Sterling was the same. The only way to shut people up is to produce the numbers, and I’m sure he will.

                goon He set up a couple of good chances off the top of my head. One for Saka and a better one for Kai. He got close to scoring himself too.

                Also one to Odegaard and another that was completely fluffed by a combination of Partey and White.

                  I thought he was our best attacker until Saka’s efficiency created two goals. But for the first thirty mins our best chances were all created by Martinelli.

                  He'll be alright. I'm not worried about him as long as he keeps starting he'll get his numbers. I'm surprised so many people predicted in the predictions thread he's their pick for most disappointing player of the season. Personally I reckon he'll lock down that side and end up one of our best players this season.

                    Big Willie i also like what we did yesterday and in pre-season, doing build up on the left side of the field. Ot gets Martinelli much more involved.
                    But it does two things for Saka. First we are seeing him much more involved on far post action. Second, when the ball is switched over to his flank and he’s in open space, it has to be the worst feeling for an opponent given the millions of ways he can beat you.

                        Just needs a little positive cycle of luck and confidence ... hope he gets it before Arteta decides to drop him again. If we get Merino he may well be a multiplier for Martinelli. He's marginally more direct, aggressive and mobile than Rice by the looks.

                        Claudius — I’m curious to see if Saka actually builds a skill set around attacking the back post. I’ve long felt it was the only noticeable weakness in his game. But it does feel so far this season he’s been attacking crosses at the back post better.

                            He wasn't terrible by any means. Similar to Odegaard if any of his key passes were capitalised on we wouldn't be so fussed about the performance.

                            MistaT yep, also did in pre-season, headed it wide but it was nice too see. I can see him getting a few goals like that

                                HomeSteak

                                Keep making those runs and he'll get a few easy tap ins fall to him.

                                  He looks so desperate to score that he's forcing things a bit too much or overthinking. Hopefully when he gets his first goal this season it'll help him get his confidence back.

                                  5 days later

                                  Looks bereft of confidence, not sure it's any deeper than that. If we're still having this conversation come January (assuming he's not suffered another major injury during that time) then his place in the squad needs to be considered.