The Gunners are still in title contention this season and one star in particular is due to the contribution of former Chelsea star Eden Hazard.
Gabriel Martinelli continues to impress Arsenal this season
Arsenal are in the midst of a title challenge thanks to their ability to work as a team in a system well practiced by Mikel Arteta. However, it’s the individuals’ ability to execute the plan to perfection that may have driven them to their prime this season.
Outstanding individual seasons for the likes of Bukayo Saka and Granit Xhaka took the Gunners to a new level not seen in years. However, it might be Gabriel Martinelli who has managed to shine the brightest among an impressive group of stars. The 21-year-old added to his tally yet again in Friday’s 3-3 draw against Southampton which took him to 15 Premier League goals this season. That leaves him just one behind in former Chelsea star Eden Hazard’s all-time top scorer campaign in the division before he departs for Real Madrid, with six games remaining.
The Brazilian more than paid off Ituano’s £5m transfer fee all those years ago and with a lot more in the tank, he could become one of The Gunners’ best signings ever. However, the winger hopes to cap off a great individual season with a silver medal, while the title is still up for grabs.
Discussing Martinelli’s impact this season, Arteta told the press following the draw with Southampton: “You are not in the position we are in if you don’t have players who perform individually consistently throughout the season. He [Martinelli] was one of them.”
How much the troublesome winger can improve remains to be seen, with the best years of his career hopefully ahead of him. However, the focus on the here and now will continue as his excellent form sends the team to a title challenge in the last league game.
