Mikel Arteta has revealed Gabriel Martinelli surprised Arsenal’s medical staff after coming on and scoring the winning goal against Manchester City.
Forward Martinelli was initially not expected to be fit enough to feature at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday evening but defied advice to make the squad.
He then replaced the injured Leandro Trossard for the second half and secured all three points for Arteta’s side at the death courtesy of his deflected strike.
His effort cannoned wickedly off Nathan Ake just minutes from time and propelled Arsenal joint-top of the Premier League table, level with fierce rivals Tottenham.
‘Nobody expected him to be in the team,’ Arteta told Sky Sports post-match.
‘The officials weren’t having it. He said, “I’m gonna be there, I’m gonna be there.”
‘Yesterday he turned up. He was in training. He said he was ready to go. Leo got injured and we needed him. I looked and he was dressed up and ready to go.’
Martinelli’s goal secured Arsenal their first league victory over City since December 2015 and Arteta believes the landmark may prove crucial for the rest of their season.
‘It’s just part of the journey,’ he added. ‘You learn from every defeat, from every time you don’t get what you want. But the team are so willing.
‘With the attitude and the application they put in, it’s just a joy to work for them. Today they deserve to live this moment and we have to carry on.’
Martinelli was forced out of each of Arsenal’s previous five fixtures due to a hamstring issue but returned to the fold this weekend while still building his fitness.
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