Mikel Arteta did something for the first time in eight months vs Leeds, it was telling

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Mikel Arteta made a decision he hadn’t made in months during Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Leeds United.

Arsenal scored five goals against Leeds, but it was a day of firsts at the Emirates Stadium.

Eberechi Eze was unveiled as a Gunner for the first time, and Viktor Gyokeres scored his first two goals in the Premier League.

Max Dowman broke a club record, becoming the first U16 player to play competitively for Arsenal at the Emirates on what was a truly special occasion for the teen.

As well as the firsts for those mentioned, Arteta decided to revisit one thing he’s not done in over eight months.

• READ MORE: Chris Sutton critical of Arsenal starlet Max Dowman after what he did during Premier League debut

Gabriel Martinelli was an unused substitute for Arsenal vs Leeds

Arteta made two changes to his starting XI, welcoming Jurrien Timber to replace the injured Ben White and Noni Madueke to replace Gabriel Martinelli. 

Martinelli has been poor for some time, and, after his showing at Manchester United, it came as no surprise to see the Brazilian dropped.

It wasn’t just a case of the 24-year-old being dropped, however, as the winger didn’t make an appearance at all.

For the first time since November 2024, Martinelli was an unused substitute in the Premier League, not earning any minutes against Leeds.

Though the 2019 signing being replaced in the starting XI wasn’t a surprise, as many expected Martinelli to be dropped, it was a shock not to see him in action.

As Bukayo Saka suffered a hamstring injury in the 53rd minute, Madueke shifted to the right to replace the Englishman, but instead of calling Martinelli, Arteta opted to unleash Leandro Trossard.

Then, when Madueke was hooked, 15-year-old Dowman was introduced, leaving Martinelli on the bench as the only attacking player not used in the game. 

Martinelli could be restored to face Liverpool

A wake-up call was needed to help ease the Brazil international out of his dip in form.

Martinelli’s dip has been noticed, but the timing of injuries and the trip to Anfield could present a quick revival to the top for the forward. 

Firstly, if Saka is out to face Liverpool, there’s a chance that Madueke will replace him on the right, leaving the left to either Martinelli or Trossard, while Eberechi Eze could replace Martin Odegaard, who was also hurt against Leeds.

In these circumstances, Arteta could choose Martinelli over Trossard on the left, as in recent years, the Brazilian has been a real problem player for the Reds.

Martinelli has eight goal contributions in 12 appearances against Liverpool, scoring twice at Anfield in recent years.

If there’s one player Arteta will want on hand to face Arne Slot’s side, it’s Martinelli, whose impact on Merseyside can’t be overlooked, despite his dreary form.