Arsenal suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to Liverpool, and reports suggest the defeat sparked friction inside the dressing room. Striker Viktor Gyökeres was said to have voiced dissatisfaction with Gabriel Martinelli’s contribution on the night, believing the Brazilian winger failed to deliver the kind of performance needed in a high-stakes clash. The Gunners’ inability to create clear-cut chances, coupled with lapses in concentration at the back, once again raised questions about their ability to cope under pressure against elite opposition.
According to those close to the team, Gyökeres was left frustrated with Martinelli’s decision-making in crucial moments of the match. Normally, the young forward is praised for his relentless energy, direct dribbling, and willingness to take on defenders. However, against Liverpool, he struggled to connect effectively with his teammates and often hesitated when opportunities to drive forward presented themselves. For a striker like Gyökeres—who thrives on service and quick, decisive play in the final third—this lack of sharpness felt like a major setback. He reportedly believed that Martinelli’s subdued display denied Arsenal the creative spark they desperately needed to trouble Liverpool’s defense.
In truth, Arsenal’s attack as a whole looked disjointed. While there were moments when they built promising passages of play, they rarely looked capable of breaking down Liverpool’s disciplined back line. Martinelli, whose speed and direct running were expected to stretch the defense and open spaces, was unable to make a significant impact. His tendency to complicate situations, whether by holding onto the ball too long or choosing the wrong option, appeared to stall Arsenal’s attacking momentum. Gyökeres, reliant on quick supply lines, is understood to have felt that this disrupted the flow of Arsenal’s forward play and reduced their overall aggression in front of goal.
That said, it is worth keeping perspective. Martinelli is still a young player, continuing to develop at the highest level, and even the most talented individuals have off days—particularly against top-quality opponents like Liverpool. While Gyökeres’ irritation might highlight genuine tactical concerns, it also underlines the competitive nature of a squad where every player is under pressure to perform. If managed well, this moment of criticism could spark constructive conversations about accountability, communication, and the need for greater consistency.
For manager Mikel Arteta, the task now lies in maintaining squad unity while addressing the issues exposed in the defeat. With a challenging run of fixtures ahead, harmony and resilience within the team will be crucial. For both Gyökeres and Martinelli, this setback could serve as an important lesson. Building a stronger understanding and partnership between them may prove vital if Arsenal are to rediscover their attacking edge. The next few weeks will reveal whether this disappointment becomes a source of division or an opportunity for growth, as the Gunners aim to bounce back stronger.
