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Martinelli came off the bench to score a dramatic winner at the Emirates on Sunday with his strike taking a deflection to beat Ederson, handing Arsenal their first win over City since December 2015.
Raya endured a shaky first-half with Gary Neville labelling the Gunners shot stopper a ‘nervous wreck’ but Arteta was delighted with the bravery shown by his goalkeeper.
‘I think he was excellent,’ Arteta told Sky Sports. ‘He can misplace one or two passes, but I demand he stop the ball when he needs to, to get clarity, to get understanding .
‘But overall, The way he controlled the ball. How dominant he was and how high he played. I love players with courage and David certainly has big ones.’
Martinelli picked up a hamstring in the victory over Everton last month and was not expected to return to the squad until after this month’s international break.
Arteta explained he had been urged by his medical staff not to select the Brazil international, with his hand forced when Leandro Trossard picked up a knock.
Martinelli was determined to come and make an impact, his manager revealed.
‘He is another player with big ones too. No one expected him to be in the team. The physios weren’t having it and yesterday in training he said ‘I am ready to go’.
‘Leo got injured and I looked to him and he was already dressed up ready to go.’
Victory leaves Arsenal joint top of the Premier League, level on points with neighbours Tottenham with both sides two points clear of City after eight games played.
‘It is just part of the journey,’ Arteta said. ‘You learn from every defeat. But the team is so willing. It is a joy to work with them. We have to live this moment we have to carry on.’
MORE : Erling Haaland HELD BACK in furious clash between Man City and Arsenal staff after Sunday’s showdown
MORE : Gabriel Martinelli’s late goal sees Arsenal end their Man City hoodoo
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