Martin Keown Arsenal verdict highlighted his surprise and delight at seeing Gabriel Martinelli deployed on the right flank during Arsenal’s victory against Olympiacos. Mikel Arteta’s side secured back-to-back Champions League wins with goals from Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, continuing their strong start in Europe.
Arsenal opened the scoring early as Martinelli struck from close range, before substitute Saka added the second to seal the win. While Martin Ødegaard ran the midfield, it was Martinelli’s positional switch that drew Keown’s praise.
Martinelli’s new role impresses Keown
Normally a left winger, Martinelli was shifted across to cover for the injured Noni Madueke. According to Transfermarkt, the Brazilian has featured just 18 times on the right in his Arsenal career, with six of those appearances coming last season when Saka was sidelined.
Keown told TNT Sports: “Martinelli, playing on the right-hand side today, we’ve not really seen that before; it was something new. I think it suited him. Obviously, Madueke is not available right now, Havertz is still injured, so people are having to play and put a shift in, and I thought it had a different look to it.”
“Martinelli, playing on the right-hand side today, we’ve not really seen that before; it was something new. I think it suited him.” — Martin Keown, TNT Sports
Arteta gains a fresh option
Arteta has occasionally tested Martinelli on the right, but his performance against Olympiacos may give the manager renewed confidence to use him there more often. With Madueke out and Saka managing recurring fitness concerns, Martinelli could become a key solution.
Ally McCoist has already praised Arsenal’s squad depth, and the versatility of their forwards only strengthens that view. While Leandro Trossard and Eberechi Eze provide options on the left, neither offers the same balance on the right as Martinelli.
Analyst verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William observed: “Arteta’s willingness to experiment is paying off. Martinelli’s adaptability ensures Arsenal aren’t overly reliant on Saka on the right. Keown’s praise is significant because it underlines how effective the switch looked against high-level European opposition.”
He added: “If Martinelli continues to thrive on the right, it gives Arsenal tactical flexibility and an insurance policy in case Saka’s injury issues flare up again. That kind of squad balance could be decisive in both Europe and the Premier League title race.”
Key insights
- Arsenal beat Olympiacos 2-0 with goals from Martinelli and Saka.
- Martinelli started on the right flank, a rare role for him.
- Martin Keown praised the tactical tweak, calling it “something new.”
- Madueke’s absence and Saka’s injury management make Martinelli a key option.
- Arsenal’s attacking depth remains one of their greatest strengths.
What’s next for Arsenal?
Arsenal will look to continue their winning streak in Europe and maintain momentum in the Premier League. With Arteta managing injuries to key attackers, Martinelli’s versatility will likely be tested again in the weeks ahead.
For supporters, Keown’s endorsement will only increase optimism that Arsenal’s tactical variety can carry them deep into the Champions League while sustaining their domestic title challenge.
👉 Should Arteta use Martinelli on the right more often to ease pressure on Saka?
0 Comments
First read message
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *