Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit believes Mikel Arteta should rest Gabriel Martinelli ahead of the Gunners' Premier League clash with title rivals Manchester City on Wednesday.
The 21-year-old has been one of Arsenal's outstanding players this season, netting seven times in 29 matches.
However, the Brazilian, who is fresh from penning a new contract at the club, hasn't scored in his last seven appearances.
The high flying Gunners are off the back of a 1-0 defeat to Everton and controversial 1-1 draw with Brentford in the Premier League, allowing title challengers Manchester City to get within three points of them.
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Arteta urged to drop Martinelli
Petit reckons it might be time to give Martinelli a break, and allow new signing Leandro Trossard, who scored his first goal for the club against Brentford, a chance from the start.
"I’m not surprised that he’s having a difficult time at the moment. He looks tired – mentally and physically," Petit told Compare Bet.
"I would also say he has a tough time due to the tactical setup. With Zinchenko tucking inside to the midfield, he doesn’t get the same support as Saka does on the right side with Ben White.
"Maybe he [Trossard] should start, but I’m pretty sure Arteta will start Martinelli. I think Trossard is a good option and he’s shown Arteta that he can trust him as a starter in the first eleven."
Arsenal host Pep Guardiola's men at the Emirates for what promises to be a feisty encounter. Should Arsenal win, they would go six points clear with a game in hand.
But should they lose, City would go top on goal difference.
To Gunners' fans concern, Erling Haaland is expected to be fit for the trip, despite coming off against Aston Villa on Sunday with a thigh injury.
Topics: Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Gabriel Martinelli, Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, Football, Premier League
Joe Adams