Former Arsenal player, Emmanuel Petit has insisted that he is not happy with forward Gabriel Martinelli over his performances for the club so far this season.
Petit said the Brazilian needs to step up now that Bukayo Saka is currently recovering from a hamstring injury.
Saka had sustained the injury during Arsenal’s 5-1 win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League some days ago.
The England winger will not return to action until March.
“Look at the quality Liverpool have up-front – it’s amazing. It’s amazing how many great players they have in that area,” Petit told Ladbrokes as quoted by Caught Offside.
“Then, look at Arsenal; if one or two players are missing, then it’s not the same team anymore. For me, this is the main difference.
“Saka being out for a few weeks is a huge blow – but other players now need to come in, step up, and take on the responsibility.”
He added, “I’m thinking about Gabriel Martinelli, for example. I’m not happy with Martinelli. He had a good game against Crystal Palace a few days ago, but that’s not enough.
“When you look at his journey, and how he started in the first-team, around the same time as Saka… when you look at how Saka has improved, year after year, and has become one of the best players in the Premier League, I’m thinking ‘when is that going to come from Martinelli?”
