Arsenal secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League, thanks to a fortunate own goal. Despite missing a penalty and squandering several chances, Arsenal held on for the win, highlighting their resilience but also exposing their need for greater clinical finishing. The victory keeps Arsenal in the top eight of the new 36-team league phase.
Arsenal is reportedly considering bolstering their attacking options, but former player Jay Bothroyd believes Brentford striker Bryan Mbeumo is not the right fit. Bothroyd asserts that Mbeumo lacks the football IQ and vision required to play for Arsenal, despite his solid goal-scoring record for Brentford. Currently, there are better attacking options on the Arsenal team, such as Gabriel Martinelli, who fits their style better. Arsenal faces a critical week in the Premier League title race, with upcoming matches against Chelsea and other key rivals.
Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot has named Arsenal stars Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli among the toughest wingers he has faced in the Premier League. Dalot, who started at left-back against Saka in September, singled out the England international’s dribbling and pace. He also mentioned Haaland as a strong and quick opponent, but Dalot has only limited experience playing against him. Saka has been in impressive form this season, with 14 goals and eight assists, while Martinelli has contributed six goals. Both players are expected to feature when Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates on Tuesday.
Darren Bent has expressed concerns over the dwindling form of Arsenal striker Gabriel Martinelli, as the 22-year-old has struggled to replicate his impressive goal tally from last season. Martinelli’s decline has coincided with the rise of Leandro Trossard, who has overtaken Martinelli in the starting lineup and has been more effective in front of goal. Bent attributed Martinelli’s struggles to a combination of injuries and a lack of the same spark that made him such a potent threat in the previous campaign.
