There were flashes from the Gabriel Martinelli from the last seasons in the second half against Liverpool on Sunday.
After switching from position with Leandro Trossard to go from the left wing to a false nine, the Brazilian came to life, resulting in the central role in intention and urgency.
His sharp movement and hunger to pierce the opposition line with runs of the ball gave Virgil van Dijk and Co a new problem.
Only two minutes after the interval, Martinelli halved the shortage and went into Trossard's cross to start the Gunners Vechtback to an acidic point.
The result was a sigh of relief for visitors, still smart about their Champions League Semi-Final Exit to Paris Saint-Germain and looking for securing Champions League football for their remaining league matches against Newcastle and Southampton.
Nevertheless, the tactical tweak of Mikel Arteta also showed a side of Martinelli's game that has often disappeared this season – his ability to be a direct threat.
Too often he was limited to hugging the touchline, driving to the name rule or recycling possession. But against the Reds, he staggered through the center and buzzing between the lines to offer himself as a constant option.
As his heat map showed on Sunday, he registered more accents in the middle of the penalty area than in any other league match this season.
Suspended with Mikel Merino after he had been sent to Anfield and Trossard an injury -doubt for Sunday's collision against Newcastle, Martinelli is the most viable central option of Arteta.
This season it offers a last chance for the 22-year-old to show his talents in a position in which he clearly thrives prior to an important summer for both he and Arsenal.
As reported by Mail Sport last week, Arsenal has opened conversations with Trossard via a new contract until 2029.
They are also expected to go on the transfer market for a new left wing player, after they have looked at strengthening the position since last year. Nico Williams from Athletic Club is at the top of the list, and if he arrived this summer, Martinelli could notice that he was fighting for minutes from the bank.
It leaves the Brazilian in a delicate position after two mixed seasons, while the ambitions of Arsenal intensify without cutlery after five years.
He was advertised as a player who could sell Arsenal in an attempt to collect serious funds for a summer of selection framework settings, especially a striker, to bridge the gap and win silverware.
Mail Sport understands that he is part of Arteta's plans in the future. He is well prepared by the manager, and also by teammates, who regularly notice his electric pace, the fastest in the team.
He is a player who depends on trust that was affected in the previous campaign after a foot injury had risen against Sheffield United in March last year, giving him a deep cut.
During his absence, Trossard hit a sparkling form – scored five goals in the last eight league games.
When he closed £ 6 million to the Brazilian lower League Side Ititano in 2019, Martinelli often played in a central position under Unai Emery, while in December Arteta saw the took over more than a left bing in December that year.
There was the first barrier to settle in England because he was unable to speak English, but on the field he gradually developed into a starter of the first team.
In the 2022-23 season, Martinelli set 15 league goals and offer six assists in its most productive campaign to date. It was an important step forward, so that the past two seasons have made a difficult assessment.
The figures in terms of competition goals and assists have fallen from that moment (six goals and four assists last season, eight goals and four assists this season), and beyond the statistics, Martinelli did not reach the heights that many would reach that he would reach after that milestone campaign.
A hamstring injury in February that excluded him for a month, stopped his momentum, but more concerning was a lack of conviction about goal at odds about the attacking threat he has previously stated.
It has often frustrated supporters and occasionally recorded its team in attacks from the left flank.
Yet, as can be seen against Liverpool, his sizzling pace creates chaos in one-on-one situations, and his campaign with 15 goals proves that he has the calmness to finish.
Now he is confronted with a career – defeating summer – one that he will hope that he loves the next silverware from Arsenal.