Gary Neville has warned Mikel Arteta one of his key players is lacking belief and is need of ‘care and attention’.
Arsenal continued their impressive start to the new season on Saturday with a statement victory over Aston Villa.
Second half goals from substitute Leandro Trosssard and Thomas Partey, courtesy of a rare Emiliano Martinez error, secured a 2-0 win which helped Arteta’s side gain a measure of revenge for the defeat they suffered at the hands of Unai Emery last term.
Trossard scored with his first touch coming off the bench having replaced the seemingly out of sorts Martinelli.
The Belgium international appeared upset at having been left out of the starting line-up for the second week in a row at the expense of Martinelli who again flattered to deceive.
With Mikel Merino’s arrival set to be announced, Arteta will likely turn his attention to strengthening his forward line in what remains of the transfer window, but Neville believes he should be investing time in helping Martinelli get back to his best.
‘That one player I would say just needs that little bit of belief back in his game is Martinelli,’ Neville told Sky Sports. ‘It was really obvious to me because he was down here in front of us in the first half. I noticed it because when a winger is playing against a right-back I think what do I not want?
‘There was a moment in the game when he was counter attacking against Pau Torres and Matty Cash in the early part of the game.
‘I thought Martinelli is an instinctive player who is direct and running at real pace and you’re not quite sure what he’s going to do next.
‘You want him driving at the standing foot of a right-back and he’s definitely hesitating when he’s got the ball and not quite sure what to do.
‘I can’t decide if that’s a lack of belief or confidence or if he’s take the safe or cautious option at times.
‘There were moments in that game where it was so obvious he had five or 10 yards start on his right-back and the space to go was there.
‘He’s one that needs a bit of care and attention at the moment because he’s not quite there.’
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