Arsenal have enjoyed an impressive start to the new Premier League season and their attack is dominating one key statistic compared to their rivals.
Gabriel Jesus signed from Manchester City in the summer transfer window after completing a £45million move to the Emirates Stadium, immediately settling in alongside Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. Mikel Arteta's change in tactical system has seen the improvement in performance levels of many players with Martinelli proving to become a key player for the Spaniard.
The young Brazilian forward has registered six goal contributions in 14 appearances so far this season as he is enjoying a long-run of games in the first team, helped by the absence of Emile Smith Rowe who will be out of action until the new year. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was full of praise for Martinelli ahead of the dramatic 3-2 win over the Reds, a game in which Martinelli grabbed a goal and an assist as the Gunners reinforced their Premier League title challenging credentials.
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Martinelli headed into the game against Southampton at the weekend having completed more dribbles than any team in the division with 106. The Brazilian winger is leading the way compared to any other player in the division with one of the highest dribble success rates, along with an impressive record for completed dribbles.
Martinelli's ability to take on defenders in one-on-one situations has helped Arsenal push further up the pitch and get into better attacking areas, resulting in more chances and goals for Arteta's side. The 21-year-old has completed 25 dribbles so far this season with a dribble success rate of 74%, as shown in the graph below.
The Brazilian's performances in attack have him ahead of Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha who is renowned for his impressive dribbling ability, with the Ivorian winger linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium. Only Mohamed Salah has completed more carries into the penalty area this season than Bukayo Saka and Martinelli.
Martinelli and Saka have both been averaging 2.4 completed dribbles per 90 in the Premier League this season, helping Arteta's team transition in attacking phases and leading to opposition teams looking to double up on Arsenal's forwards, leaving more space for the likes of Granit Xhaka to drift into the box and score as he has shown in the Gunners' previous two fixtures against the Saints and PSV.
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