Gunners Secure Carabao Cup Advantage Despite Individual Struggles
Arsenal edged closer to the Carabao Cup final with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. However, while Mikel Arteta celebrated a first-leg advantage in the semi-final, one player found himself in the firing line: Gabriel Martinelli.
Fans Fume on Social Media
Despite coming on as a second-half substitute to provide fresh legs, Martinelli’s performance left Gooners frustrated. On X (formerly Twitter), fans didn’t hold back, with one viral post stating:
“Martinelli is incredibly bad. He comes on to help and all of Chelsea’s plays come down his side. He does nothing offensively or defensively. Surreal.”
The criticism centered on the 24-year-old’s perceived lack of impact in a game where Leandro Trossard—who started on the left wing—has been increasingly favored by Arteta in the Premier League.
Martinelli é incrivelmente ruim. Entra pra ajudar e todas as jogadas do Chelsao são do lado dele. Não faz nada ofensivamente e defensivamente. Surreal
— Fala, Gooner! (@falagooner) January 14, 2026
A Tough Spell for the Brazilian Duo
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It wasn’t just Martinelli who struggled to influence the game; Gabriel Jesus also saw limited action after coming off the bench. With Arteta opting to rest key starters, the “Brazilian Gabi’s” failed to seize their opportunity to reclaim starting spots. Meanwhile, Gabriel Magalhães remained a rock in the starting XI, anchoring the defense through Chelsea’s late pressure.
Martinelli’s 2025/26 Season in Numbers
Despite the recent backlash, Martinelli’s overall stats this season tell a more complex story:
- Appearances: 25
- Goals: 9
- Assists: 1
- Minutes Played: 1,045
While nine goals is a respectable return, the lack of assists and defensive contribution has led to Trossard becoming the preferred choice for high-stakes matches.
What’s Next for the Premier League Leaders?
Arsenal won’t have long to dwell on individual performances. The Premier League leaders travel to the City Ground next weekend to face Nottingham Forest, where Martinelli will hope to silence his critics and prove he deserves a spot in Brazil’s upcoming World Cup squad.
