Mikel Arteta makes surprise Gabriel Martinelli claim after Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Manchester City

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that Gabriel Martinelli surprised the club’s medical stuff by coming on to score the winner against Manchester City on Sunday.

The Brazil forward wasn’t expected to feature in the game but came on for the injured Leandro Trossard to play 45 minutes for the Gunners.

Martinelli went on to score a late winner for Arteta’s side who are now joint top of the Premier League, following the impressive result against Pep Guardiola’s men.

“Martinelli made a huge effort to be in the game, nobody believed he would there,” said Arteta.

“The medical staff were trembling but he was there and he was excellent.

“It sends a message to our team, to keep doing what we are doing and stay humble and then we are a very difficult team to beat.

Martinelli's goal gave Arsenal their first win over City in the league since December 2015.

“So proud,” said Arteta after the game.

“It was the moment with the right people and the right players. We knew we would have to suffer and we did that. You need a big performance and the crowd too. It feels like a big win.

“I think the way we started we conceded the corner and then we gained some control and in the second half we started really good. We were there and really aggressive. The changes helped as well. The quality they produced in the goal was top.

“[City] give you a lot [of problems] and we gave them a lot of issues as well. It is not easy to get out. You need the right timing, the right movement, the right moments. I like the courage.

“You are going to have these [hard] moments against this team. You have to be direct and managed the emotions and make sure you don’t get caught against this team.”