Thierry Henry did not mince his words during his appearance in Monday Night Football on Sky Sports. The former Arsenal legend harshly analyzed the Gunners’ offensive difficulties, particularly blaming Gabriel Martinelli.
Henry highlighted Arsenal’s over-reliance on Bukayo Saka on the right side. Despite favorable situations, Martinelli, supposed to energize the left flank, often chooses safe options, sending the ball back rather than taking advantage of his speed. “Gabriel Martinelli is fast, but he never uses it. I would never do that,” lamented Henry, criticizing the Brazilian winger for his lack of aggression in one-on-one situations.
An obvious imbalance in the attack
Henry also noted that Arsenal are too predictable, concentrating 45% of their attacks on the right side. This predictability, exacerbated by Martinelli’s hesitations, facilitates the task of opposing defenses, often capable of doubling or tripling Saka without being worried by the opposing danger.
If the statistics show that Martinelli attempts more dribbles this season (5.16 attempts per 90 minutes), his success rate of 30.6%, the lowest of his career, illustrates his difficulties. For Henry, Mikel Arteta must take responsibility: “There is a personnel problem, but also a lack of tactical adaptation. » Arsenal will need to rediscover their creativity and rectify these imbalances to stay in the title race.
