Mikel Arteta insisted that Leandro Trossard deserved the chance to start his first Premier League game for Arsenal after dropping Gabriel Martinelli for the clash with Aston Villa.
The 28-year-old, who had come off the bench in the previous four league matches since his January move from Brighton, started against Unai Emery's men in the West Midlands. Trossard has made an impact in each of his five appearances for the club, scoring in the Gunners' 1-1 draw against Brentford last weekend.
In contrast, Martinelli has failed to grab a goal or an assist in his last six league games. The Brazilian had started every league match for the Gunners this season, and despite starting the season impressively, his output has dropped off of late.
Arteta told BT Sport: "It's probably to give Leandro the chance he deserves in the starting 11.
"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."
Arsenal were looking to bounce back after their 3-1 defeat against City on Wednesday as they try and go back to the top of the table. When asked about their title chances, Arteta said: "W e can do it [win the Premier League], but the margins in this game are so minimal, and there is an edge to the way we compete and they compete if we are to stay together."
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Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown gave his take on Arsenal at present. He said: "Well first of all Arsenal have done extremely well, when you look at the table last season, so it is a chance.
"You’ll be hurting after that game the other night, it was an exhilarating match to be a part of, but you need to strike back today. It’s the first time to do it.
"Man City watching, a lot of pats on the back for them, the manager has told us earlier in the season that they lack a bit of fire in their belly, they've certainly got it now but Arsenal can strike first. Get those winning three points and then City look at you and go 'okay, we’re genuinely in a race.'
"We go back to the top of the table, and there’s still a game in hand for Arsenal so why can't they do it? They play each other again, there's an awful lot left in this season."
