Mikel Arteta explains decision to drop Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli against Crystal Palace

Mikel Arteta revealed an injury suffered in training contributed to his decision to bench Gabriel Martinelli against Crystal Palace. 

The Brazil international has endured a difficult period in front of goal and had gone six games without finding the back of the net ahead of Saturday’s game against the struggling Eagles.

After three consecutive defeats, Arteta opted to make a change on the flanks and restored Leandro Trossard to the starting XI, wtih Martinelli forced to make do with a place amongst the replacements.

The change worked wonders, with Trossard making the points safe just before the hours mark, providing a fitting finish to a flowing counter-attack which had been launched by goalkeeper David Raya.