2/2 shots: £46m Arsenal star was superb in new position vs Liverpool, start him there vs Newcastle - opinion
Arsenal played out a 2-2 draw against Liverpool in the Premier League at Anfield on Sunday.
The Gunners made the worst possible start against the reigning English champions.
A couple of defensive errors allowed Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz to score in the 20th and 21st minute respectively.
Mikel Arteta’s side looked on course for a heavy defeat on the road, but made amends.
They were exceptional after the break, with Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino finding the net.
Martinelli mostly played as a centre-forward during the second half and produced a fine glancing header to make it 2-1 early in the second half.
The £46 million-rated star ended the game with 100 percent of his shots on target (2/2). He did not win any of his six duels contested, but still stood out.
The 23-year-old caught the eye with his runs behind the Reds’ defence. He was almost put through on goal by captain Martin Odegaard once.
There was another opportunity where Martinelli had the space to run behind, but Odegaard failed to spot the Brazilian and picked the wrong pass.
Merino’s red card towards the end put heavy pressure on the Gunners, but Odegaard almost scored a dramatic winner in stoppage time.
Arsenal need to carry the positives from the 2-2 draw. With Merino suspended against Newcastle United, Martinelli should get the nod upfront.
Leandro Trossard started as the false number nine yesterday, but he was ineffective before swapping places with Martinelli in the second half.
The Belgian was substituted with a potential injury in the second half and could be another absentee for the Magpies game at home on Sunday.
Manager Mikel Arteta has a selection headache on his hands with Declan Rice also struggling with a hip problem. He is a huge fitness doubt.
Stats from Sofascore.com & Transfermarkt.com
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