How Gabriel Martinelli can rediscover form as Arsenal face Nottingham Forest

Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli arrives at the weekend's Premier League match against Nottingham Forest under renewed scrutiny after a run of subdued performances culminated in criticism following the club's defeat at Liverpool.

Mikel Arteta selected Martinelli to start on the left at Anfield in Arsenal's first league game since the international break, but a key moment in the first half — when Martinelli kept possession instead of releasing striker Viktor Gyökeres into space and then lost the ball — was widely highlighted by supporters and pundits as an example of the Brazilian's recent lack of decisive end-product.

Martinelli remains a player Arteta trusts for tactical discipline and defensive work, and he has started high-profile away fixtures this season, including at Manchester United and Liverpool. Yet his goals and assists have dipped from the heights of the 2022-23 campaign, when he scored 15 times and provided six assists. Last season he registered 10 goals in 51 appearances with six assists in all competitions.

Coaches and analysts point to several factors behind the downturn. Arsenal's style under Arteta has evolved: a more controlled, possession-focused approach replaced the freer, more open attacking system that allowed Martinelli to exploit space. Injuries across Arsenal's forward line and periods of fitness issues for Martinelli last season also reduced consistent attacking combinations. This summer's tactical tweak toward a more direct, transitional game aimed at maximising the strengths of £64 million signing Gyökeres could create more space in behind defences and play to Martinelli's pace, offering a potential route back to form.

The club's summer recruitment has increased internal competition for wide positions. Eberechi Eze was signed from Crystal Palace and has been used centrally and on the wing; Noni Madueke arrived and has been deployed on both flanks; Leandro Trossard remains a versatile option on the left. Eze replaced Martinelli during the Anfield defeat and is seen by some at the club as a creative alternative who can also operate in the wide areas. Martinelli has drawn a parallel between that competition at club level and his international experience, where he vies with Brazil team-mate Vinícius Júnior for places on the left.

There were internal discussions at Arsenal about the possibility of selling Martinelli over the summer, according to club sources, but any exit was judged unlikely to reach a desirable valuation given market conditions and his remaining contract. Martinelli is under contract for two more seasons, with an Arsenal-held option that could extend his stay until 2028. Despite outside speculation, the coaching staff have continued to field him in important matches, signalling ongoing faith in his qualities and adaptability.

Players and staff at Arsenal acknowledge the role confidence plays in attacking output. Martinelli is regarded as a hardworking professional who cares deeply about success at the club and is aware of the social media commentary around his form. Such scrutiny can affect decision-making on the pitch, observers say, and may explain instances when he appears to overthink rather than instinctively release teammates or take on opponents.

Arteta's shifting tactical emphasis and the squad's expanded options mean Martinelli's future role could hinge on how quickly he adapts to the new demands. If Arsenal's transitional approach creates more chances to run in behind defences, it could suit his speed and lead to clearer one-on-one situations. Equally, sustained substitutions or being displaced by Eze, Madueke or Trossard in a settled attacking line-up would reduce his minutes and bargaining power in any future transfer discussions.

Arsenal's immediate priority is the domestic run of fixtures. With the League Cup and Champions League also on the horizon this season, squad rotation will be necessary and could provide Martinelli with opportunities to rebuild confidence and form. For supporters and the player alike, the aim is a return to the productivity he showed three seasons ago, when his finishing and direct running were key elements of Arsenal's title push.

Whether that revival comes through tactical tweaks that create more space for his strengths, a mental reset following international duty with Brazil, or a combination of both, will become clearer as the season progresses. Arteta and his coaching staff will monitor Martinelli's output and decision-making closely as they balance short-term results with longer-term squad planning.