Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
James Quinlan & Aaron Catterson-Reid

Mikel Arteta explains why he dropped Gabriel Martinelli for Arsenal's clash vs Aston Villa

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has explained why he dropped Gabriel Martinelli for Leandro Trossard for the Gunners' clash against Aston Villa.

Explaining his decision to BT Sport, Arteta said: "It’s probably to give Leandro the chance he deserves in the starting XI, he’s really impacted the team every time he has been on the field and we needed some changes and some energy in the front line."

The Gunners were defeated by Manchester City on Wednesday night, relinquishing their spot at the top of the Premier League table for the first time in nearly six months. Now, Arsenal legend Martin Keown has admitted that a win at Villa Park is crucial for the north Londoners' title charge.

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta gives Thomas Partey, Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Jesus update for Villa vs Arsenal

Speaking to BT Sport, Keown said: "Yes it certainly does. It’s one of those they play first, Man City playing later in the day, they’ve got to strike back and you’ve got to send a message that you’re very much still in this race. Of course psychologically the momentum goes with Man City but I think there’s a chance for Arsenal today to put that disappointment behind them.

"We know it was a huge blow but I was very proud of the support for the club. Arsenal, that’s the sort of game you want to be involved in, you want to be involved in these big games, maybe just a little bit of inexperience cost Arsenal on the night."

READ NEXT:

Every word Mikel Arteta said on Thomas Partey injury, rotation and Arsenal fixture scheduling

Mikel Arteta gives Thomas Partey, Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Jesus update for Villa vs Arsenal

Paul Merson and Chris Sutton agree on 'huge' Aston Villa vs Arsenal score prediction

Arsenal's next five fixtures compared to Manchester City, Man Utd, Newcastle and Tottenham

Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.