Title: Declan Rice Defends Gabriel Martinelli Amid Pressure from Arsenal Fans
Gabriel Martinelli is having a tough time this season. After a subpar performance against Atalanta, Arsenal fans took to social media to vent their frustrations. But his teammate and defender Declan Rice couldn’t help but defend his mate.
“We know we’ve got the potential for great things this season and to get knocked out (by criticism) could affect things negatively,” Rice said, addressing the constant pressure facing the team.
Arsenal struggled to break through in the Champions League, even failing to create any big scoring opportunities against Atalanta. In a battle between two well-drilled defensive units, both the Goeners and Atalanta maintained a clean sheet, signaling that this encounter will live to be fought another day.
Martinelli has also become a major point of criticism for many Arsenal faithfuls. “Gabri needs to have more than a couple of shots; if he takes his moments when they arrive, everything becomes much more complicated” – Mikel Arteta was quoted in an after-game interview, in light of Martinelli’s low level of attacking participation tonight.
Arsenal coach Arteta praised Martinelli by acknowledging his great skill despite criticism. Arteta described, “If we’re able to put a pressure situation, Martinelli creates danger, there is great confidence in Gabi within us.”
So, whether he’s at his own attacking positions or assists the back-line, we are left questioning the 20 year old’s capability of effectively implementing his strength and becoming more influential within the sport, which makes us so desperate for that “final score” victory in crucial fixtures.
Despite Martinelli’s lackluster start, Rice firmly believes they need him for success to truly materialize. By this, they both would find themselves capable of lifting a trophy come the last stretch of their 1/2 journey, ensuring more opportunities, with or without a solid back-door of support to continue growth on the journey. But don’t take our world’s word; tune-in this weekend when the boys hit the field again facing their next hurdle – as I always believe they all got the will and fight that it will be easy as a single swing into place.