Arteta defend Arsenal’s struggling star

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has thrown his weight behind Gabriel Martinelli, stating that the Brazil star is not struggling with confidence.

Arteta said Martinelli remains a ‘massive threat’ despite his lack of goals and assists for the North London club this season.

Recall that last season, Martinelli was at his best in the Premier League, scoring 15 goals and creating five assists across 36 matches.

But he has failed to replicate the same form this season as he only has two goals and two assists in 16 games for Arsenal.

“It is difficult [to explain],” Arteta said at his pre-match press conference on Wednesday ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League tie with West Ham United on Thursday.

“Sometimes it is decision-making, sometimes it is hitting the post or missing a chance.

“He is really trying. He is a massive threat for us. Everything that he generates with and without the ball, the pressure he puts on the backline, he is a key player for us and things will happen [for him] again.

“Confidence is not a problem for Martinelli. Sometimes he needs to put the break down or lift his head up and make that decision for everybody.”