Football News

Mikel Arteta chose to leave Gabriel Martinelli out of his Arsenal starting XI to face Aston Villa with the 22-year-old having to settle for a cameo off the bench. The decision saw Leandro Trossard come into the team with Gabriel Jesus back up front and thus Kai Havertz moved back into midfield.

Earlier in the week, the Belgium international equalised against Bayern Munich after the Gunners fell behind in the first half despite Bukayo Saka initially netting the opener. With the clash still level heading into the final quarter, Arteta threw Martinelli and Takehiro Tomiyasu on in an attempt to find a winner.

However, it was Aston Villa that scored first with Leon Bailey on target and Ollie Watkins doubling his side's lead in the final minutes. After the game, Arteta was asked about his starting XI and the particular decision to start Trossard, assumingly in place of Martinelli.

«Because I am the manager and I decide the line up,» Arteta promptly replied. Considering Martinelli only recently returned from injury managing his minutes could have also been on Arteta's mind with it highly likely he plays a huge role in the final weeks of the season.

Martinelli returning to the starting XI for the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich seems likely. Arteta also going back to his trusted midfield trio, injuries permitting, will also be expected with Jorginho back in and Havertz up top.

Understandably so, Arsenal's squad have been rather quiet on social media however Martinelli has penned a title message to Granit Xhaka. The former Arsenal midfielder won the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen this past Sunday and in celebration posted on Instagram with a picture of him holding the trophy. The caption read:

Mikel Arteta Gabriel Jesus Leandro Trossard Gabriel Martinelli Ollie Watkins Kai Havertz Leon Bailey Arsenal