Arsenal leaves Gabriel Martinelli out against Coventry in season opener
The Guardian Sport • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 24, 2026, 7:00 AM
Last updated Aug 24, 2026

Arsenal faced Coventry City in their Premier League opener on August 23, securing a 3-0 victory., Gabriel Martinelli was omitted from the squad, raising questions from Ian Wright about the club's treatment of the forward. Wright highlighted Martinelli’s recent decision to reject a transfer to Galatasaray and criticized the lack of communication from Arsenal regarding his future. The omission from the lineup may suggest tension as the club navigates its roster decisions early in the season.
- •Arsenal won 3-0 against Coventry City in their opening match.
- •Gabriel Martinelli was not included in the matchday squad.
- •Ian Wright criticized Arsenal's handling of Martinelli's situation.
- •Martinelli recently turned down a transfer to Galatasaray.
- •The match took place on August 23 during the Premier League's opening weekend.
- 7:00 AMThe Guardian Sport — Premier League: 10 talking points from opening weekend of the season
"Manchester United’s under-powered attack, Brentford’s £39m bargain and Dewsbury-Hall delivers for Everton Arsenal’s treatment of Gabriel Martinelli has been questioned by Ian Wright after the Brazil forward was left out of their squad for Friday’s opening game against Coventry. Martinelli turned down a move to Galatasaray last week after Arsenal had agreed a fee with the Turkish club and the former striker Wright revealed on Sky Sports after the Coventry game that no one at the club has spoken to the 25-year-old to discuss his future. “I know they might want him out, and a lot of people might say, ‘yeah, it’s time for him to move him on’. But there’s ways of doing that and it should suit him as well, how he wants to leave,” said Wright. “He’s done enough with this squad to be treated with a little bit more respect than he’s being treated with at the moment.” Ed Aarons Match report: Arsenal 3-0 Coventry Match report: Brighton 4-0 Aston Villa Continue reading...
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