Martinelli’s Shocking Goal Stats: The Truth Behind His Four-Year Arsenal Journey

Gabriel Martinelli’s evolution as a key player for Arsenal can be analyzed through his expected goals (xG) and goals per 90 minutes over the past four seasons. The data reveals the Brazilian winger’s progression, consistency, and ability to convert chances in an ever-changing Arsenal setup.

In the 2021/22 season, Martinelli registered an xG per 90 of 0.32 and a goals per 90 of 0.24, indicating a slight underperformance with a Goals – xG differential of -0.08. At the time, Martinelli was still establishing himself as a regular in Mikel Arteta’s starting eleven. His involvement in creating goal-scoring opportunities was evident, but his finishing lacked clinical precision. For a young winger developing in a competitive Premier League environment, this output reflected promise but also highlighted areas needing improvement.

The following season, 2022/23, marked a significant leap in Martinelli’s performances. His xG per 90 dipped slightly to 0.29, but his goals per 90 surged to 0.48, resulting in a Goals – xG of +0.19. This sharp improvement demonstrated Martinelli’s growing composure in front of goal and his ability to finish beyond what would statistically be expected. It was a breakout season where he flourished alongside key players like Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, and Martin Ødegaard. Martinelli’s increased confidence and attacking positioning allowed him to consistently find dangerous spaces and capitalize on chances.

In the 2023/24 season, Martinelli’s numbers dipped slightly again. He recorded an xG per 90 of 0.30 and goals per 90 of 0.27, yielding a Goals – xG of -0.04. While the drop in his goal output was minor, it reflected a tougher campaign for Arsenal as a whole, where chance conversion became a broader team issue. Despite the slight regression, Martinelli continued to showcase his importance as a constant threat on the left wing. His pace, directness, and ability to stretch defenses ensured that he remained one of Arsenal’s most dangerous attacking options, even when goals were harder to come by.

The ongoing 2024/25 season so far paints a different story. Martinelli’s xG per 90 has dropped to 0.24, the lowest of the four years, indicating a reduction in the quality or frequency of chances he is expected to score. However, his goals per 90 have increased to 0.32, producing a Goals – xG of +0.07. This suggests a newfound efficiency in front of goal, where Martinelli is now slightly overperforming his xG. While the sample size for this season may still be limited, the early signs are encouraging. His ability to maximize chances, even with a lower xG, underscores his development as a clinical finisher capable of delivering in tight situations.

In conclusion, Martinelli’s xG and goals per 90 trends highlight his growth as an Arsenal forward. From underperforming in his early years to achieving greater consistency and efficiency, Martinelli’s progress mirrors Arsenal’s rise under Mikel Arteta. His 2022/23 season showcased his peak conversion rates, while the current season suggests a more mature, efficient version of the Brazilian. As Martinelli continues to refine his game, his ability to consistently deliver goals will remain a key factor in Arsenal’s attacking success.