In the past season, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has started to see a squad shaped in his image come to the fore, with the Gunners challenging fiercely for a top four finish. The Spaniard saw his side fall short of European football last campaign, but this year, his side hold all the cards to return to the Champions League.
His men currently sit fourth in the Premier League, three points clear of north London rivals Tottenham in fifth with a game in hand over the Lilywhites. Not only have the results been impressive, but the performances and individuals have matched it too.
A summer exodus saw a number of players leave, while a fresh influx of new talent came through the doors at the Emirates Stadium. The likes of Ben White, Aaron Ramsdale, Martin Odegaard and Takehiro Tomiyasu all joined and have made impressions with their performances.
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Add to that the maturity of some of the academy players coming into the squad such as Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli, who have all gone on to become key players and have stepped up when called upon. It all makes for an exciting time to follow the Gunners as Arteta begins to see the squad in his vision.
This is an excitement that’s matched by Martinelli, who has praised his current manager and backs him to be extremely successful in the future. The 20-year-old, who was named in the Brazil senior squad for the first time, has been one of the players to show his growth on the big stage this year.
The winger has scored five goals with four assists across all competitions this season, though his tricky style with his ability to be direct has caused many more problems than the stats may show. It’s something that has led Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp to praise him recently, saying: "Martinelli by the way... everybody should remember that name, outstanding player."
Martinelli himself will be hoping to continue to thrive under Arteta, who he has praised in recent days. He said: "He was there to support me when I got hurt. He is already a great coach, who works thinking of what modern football is like, giving us great advice.
"He is also a nice person, always treating people well. I feel Arteta will be one of those lifelong coaches with lots of titles to their name and their place in football history."
It remains to be seen whether the Gunners can go on and do just that under their current coach, but time will tell. For now, attention is firmly on Champions League qualification, with Martinelli claiming that the side have to seize the opportunity on a return to the competition after a five-year absence.
He continued: "Arsenal always go into competitions thinking of winning titles. We didn’t deliver on this objective for a few seasons, but we are now leaving it behind us. We have the chance to be in the next Champions League and we are fighting towards it. It is the main objective for the club. We need to do it."
It leaves a huge 10 games remaining for Arteta and his side to confirm that final Champions League spot. With West Ham, Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham all to come still, it could go down to the wire.
