Quote Originally Posted by 21_GOONER_SALUTE View Post
Oh and more directly, on the Martinelli vs Saka comparison you made, I disagree.

Martinelli has undoubtedly contributed more than any attacking player since the turn of the year and should be lauded for that. But its funny how his peak and Saka's decline this year has gone hand in hand with our tittle challenge dissipating. So though he's playing well now, he's not been able to carry the team like Saka did earlier this season when we were flying (and so was he).

Also, a lot of other differences. Martinelli is still not a starter for Brazil and has little pressure internationally as he is not rated and liked by their press. Totally different from Saka being the poster boy for a desperate nation.

Also, Martinelli has not been "killed" by Arteta, he's only played top tier footie with us and has 128 appearances. And we all know how he's faced competition and substitutions in his career, something Saka has never faced, even when he started off as a makeshift left back.

We have managed Martinelli's game time ( and the rest ) well if you ask me, but talent wise he is not on the same level as Saka ( at least for now) and I think most of the footballing world agrees on that ( again for now).
TBH I've given up trying to second guess Arteta, though I'm not sure I ever started because I was kind of getting out of football around the time he came in. I wanted him in before Dick wasted everyones time. But wasn't much bothered after that. What I'm mainly focused on is the difference between Arsenal last yer and this year. And it has dawned on me - fuck, I wouldn't have had the first clue where to begin to get last year's absolute shit-kickers to where they are now. I suppose Arteta could have been lucky, or the players stepped up after decades of not being arsed. But it's more likely Arteta has been getting a lot right, even if he hasn't nailed everything yet.

Let's just say I'd rather he was in charge than me. He's delivered something I couldn't hope to so I defer to his results. And results are the only thing that matter to me, not speculation, or excuses, or whatever.

That preface is to explain why I see more in Martinelli than Saka. There was a moment in that chav match where Martinelli picked up the ball, controlled it without thought (while simultaneously assessing his options) and then dipped a shoulder and set off towards the opposition goal. Really reminded me of a young Giggs. I hate Giggs but he was a hell of a player. Martinelli has that same ambition now backed with the talent to deliver - the one thing he couldn't do to save his life last season. I don't see the same believe in Saka, yet. He seems more conservative on the ball which often robs him of the opportunity to express his talent.

I found myself urging, "Come on, give it a go!", when watching Saka, while it was, "Unlucky lad, good effort!" when watching Martinelli. What I mean is Saka often doesn't get into the places where Martinelli goes so a like for like comparison can be made.

It's a purely observational thing and related to enjoyment of watching the two players, rather than a coaches analysis which is becoming increasingly clear I'm not qualified to make. I have my opinions for sure, like any fan should. But beyond that I actually find myself enjoying watching Saka and Martinelli play and (I didn't believe it could happen) intrigued as to whether Arteta can take this further. I hope the fans don't jump on the latter too hard if we have a few dips along the way. This really is the first progress I've seen in almost 2 decades.

So I think we are talking different things. And, like I said, I've watched around 20% of the games, if that. Based on what I have seen Martinelli is the player who might become the next thing. He has the attributes. Of course we'll sell him on the cheap but that's another issue.