'A problem': Paul Merson says Arsenal have a player in their ranks who's just 'too predictable'
Yesterday at 02:15 PM
Alarm bells are beginning to ring again at Arsenal after dropping points in their last two Premier League games.
The Gunners were in great form earlier in December, but they have since drawn against Fulham and Everton to lose ground in the title race.
Arsenal’s attack has blown hot and cold in recent weeks, with the Gunners blowing opponents away on some occasions but failing to make a dent other times.
Now, Arsenal legend Paul Merson has spoken about the left side of the Gunners’ attack, naming who he feels should be given a chance there.
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Paul Merson thinks Raheem Sterling should replace Gabriel Martinelli on Arsenal left flank
Merson, writing on Sportskeeda, believes Gabriel Martinelli has become “too predictable” and thinks Arsenal should switch things up on the left.
The Highbury legend acknowledged that Bukayo Saka should not be dropped or moved, while Leandro Trossard is “more suited off the bench”.
With that in mind, Merson reckons Raheem Sterling should be given a chance to see what he can do off the left.
“Arsenal have to sort that side out where Gabriel Martinelli plays,” wrote Merson. “They have a problem there and need a solution.
“Raheem Sterling looks most comfortable when he plays where Bukayo Saka plays, but you can’t keep the latter out of the team or switch his preferred position, no chance!
“Martinelli is getting a bit too predictable now and Arsenal must change it up on that side.
“Leandro Trossard is an option but when I look at him, I think he’s more suited to come off the bench. So I’d actually give Sterling a chance on that side.”
What other pundits have said about Martinelli
Martinelli registered a career-high 15 goals and six assists in 2022/23, and his form at the time earned him a place in the Brazil squad at the 2022 World Cup.
However, he has not really been able to match those levels, with just four goals and two assists from 22 outings this term.
Jamie Carragher recently claimed on The Overlap's Fan Debate that both Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard have left Martinelli behind.
"I look at Martinelli and I actually think,” he began.
“Probably three years ago when this team was just getting built, it felt like Odegaard and Saka and Martinelli were all the same sort of level looking like they can go and become top players."
"I think the other two have, I'm not sure about Martinelli."
Stephen Warnock also claimed Martinelli has declined this season, which has led to Arsenal relying far too much on Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard in attack.
