Mikel Arteta has now revealed why Gabriel Martinelli did not start for Arsenal against Crystal Palace.
Perhaps surprisingly to many Arsenal fans, Mikel Arteta named Gabriel Martinelli on the bench ahead of the Gunners’ clash with Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.
Leandro Trossard was included in the starting XI in the Brazilian winger’s place. After a relatively quiet first half, the Belgian was ultimately able to have a huge impact on the match, as he slammed home the hosts’ third goal of the game.
With 69 minutes on the clock at the Emirates Stadium, Martinelli was finally introduced into the fray, taking Trossard’s place. In the 94th minute, the 22-year-old was able to bag his fifth goal of the season so far, with a composed finish into the bottom corner, after cutting in from the left flank.
Moments later, in the 95th minute, with an almost identical strike, Martinelli doubled his tally for the match and confirmed a 5-0 scoreline for the Gunners. In the process, the 9-cap Brazil international also made Arsenal history.
Having struggled for goals so far in this campaign, Arteta will be hoping that this brace gives Martinelli a huge confidence boost and that the attacker will be more prolific and clinical from this point on.
Certainly, Martinelli was able to send a clear message as to why he is the regular starter on the left flank for Arsenal with his performance in this match.
Mikel Arteta explains Gabriel Martinelli absence from Arsenal starting XI
Arteta has now opened up about why Martinelli was named amongst the substitutes in the first place. As quoted by the club’s official website, the Spanish coach said, “he had a little issue in the last few days in training so he wasn’t fully, fully fit, that changes momentum, it changes perception, it re-energises you. It’s everything.”
Clearly, Martinelli’s injury isn’t so serious that he couldn’t play a part and make an impact against the Eagles. With Arsenal now not due to play again for over a week, before taking on Nottingham Forest on January 30th, Martinelli will have plenty of time to get back to being 100%.
In the meantime, Trossard will be keen to do what he can in training to show that he is deserving of more regular starts himself. It has been suggested before that the Belgian may not be happy at Arsenal with the amount of game time he gets. There is now healthy competition for minutes between him and Martinelli, though.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
