Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli has 'Foden problem' after Guardiola advice

Arsenal's forward options would strike fear into most opposition defenders, with a trio of Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka causing plenty of problems whenever they take to the field. However, questions have been arising about the former of the three and his form this campaign.

With just two goals and two assists in his opening 16 games of the Premier League season, the threat of Martinelli hasn't been felt to the same extent. It has brought around discussions on how to unlock the best of the Brazilian to get him firing for the huge title race that's still to come.

It was also a topic for Mikel Arteta to discuss before his team host West Ham as part of their packed festive fixture schedule. When asked about Martinelli's struggles, the Spaniard said openly: «I think confidence is not a problem for Gabi. Sometimes the efficiency and putting the brake down and lifting your head up, for everybody it’s the most difficult thing to do. Certainly a lack of confidence or trying is not going to be an issue for him.»

The piece of advice from Arteta on the ability of his forward to stop and change his rhythm is something that plagued Manchester City star Phil Foden for some time. Pep Guardiola had echoed similar comments years ago on how he could improve to reach even greater heights.

Speaking last year about David Silva's exit and Foden, Guardiola said: «I always talk about David Silva. Sometimes he slowed the rhythm to increase the rhythm, and Phil’s rhythm is always high. It’s good because it’s aggressive and we need it, but sometimes he needs a little more in that position — that is only a question of time, not that he cannot do it, because he can do it without a problem.

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