The Brazilian has been sidelined since the win over Everton three weeks ago, when he was forced off in the first-half. But he returned to take a place on the bench for the visit of reigning champions City to the Emirates Stadium.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta brought him off the bench at half-time to replace Leandro Trossard. And the attacker duly delivered, seeing a curling shot deflect off Nathan Ake's head and past Ederson with five minutes to go to hand Arsenal a dramatic win.
But the Brazilian could have been sitting in the stands instead, had he listened to Arsenal's physios. Arteta confirmed that the Gunners' medical staff had told Martinelli that the City game would come too soon for him.
"He’s been saying for a few weeks that I was going to be there for City. Obviously, we were saying that Gabi it would be too early for you, and yesterday he said, boss I told you, I’m going to be ready for this," he said.
"And it happened after 30 minutes that Leo felt something in his hamstring. So, when I turned around, he was already ready, to go with his kit, and saying ‘boss, I’m ready to go’. He’s just got the joy of a kid.
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Gabriel Martinelli ignored the advice of Arsenal's medical team to play against Manchester City
Gabriel Martinelli ignored the advice of Arsenal's medical team to play against Manchester City (
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Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
"His mentality is incredible at his age, and it’s just a joy to have him because today he could change the game and he was really helpful for us to win. The subs were excellent again. They were involved in the goal, but they brought so much physicality, energy and quality to the team."
The win over City was the first time Arsenal have beaten the reigning Premier League champions since April 2017. It was also the first time Arteta has defeated Pep Guardiola in a league game.Sunday's win ensured the Gunners leapfrogged City in the table, with only Spurs now above them. And Arteta was delighted to see his side finally end their hoodoo against Guardiola's title challengers.
"A great feeling obviously, you could sense it’s been so many years without beating them and today we have beaten in my opinion without a question of doubt the best team in the world, and we done it in a great way," he added.
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"There were moments we had to suffer, but as well moments we showed real determination, desire and belief to beat them, so really happy. Certainly sends a message to the team, keep believing in what they are doing.
"They are a fantastic group of players, the way they try, the understanding, the chemistry that they have between them you sense it and you need it to beat that, today again really proud, I was proud on Wednesday when we lost the game, and I am really proud again today as well to be part of that team.
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