Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli has scored four goals in his last three games after enduring a poor run of form in front of goal. Before the dramatic win against Aston Villa, the Brazilian forward had not netted since the away win against Brighton in December - a run of eight games in all competitions without a goal.
Martinelli scored a late goal against Villa to seal all three points for the Gunners after a run of three games without a win, seeing them return to the top of the Premier League table. The 21-year-old followed that up with a winner against Leicester City, scoring the only goal of the game at the King Power Stadium.
Arteta stuck with the Brazilian in his starting lineup for the clash against Everton with Martinelli repaying his manager's faith as he scored twice in the 4-0 win against the Toffees on Wednesday night. His return to form has come after Arteta opted to drop him from the starting lineup in the controversial 1-1 draw against Brentford - in which his replacement Leandro Trossard scored his first Gunners goal.
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Trossard signed for the north London outfit after completing a £27million move from Brighton to the Emirates Stadium in the January transfer window. Arteta wanted to strengthen his attacking options and after missing out on a deal to sign Mykhailo Mudryk - who joined London rivals Chelsea - the focus turned to securing a move for the Belgian attacker.
The added competition in the squad could be one reason behind Martinelli's improved form of late with the Brazilian looking to cement his place as a starter ahead of Trossard. Arteta has turned to the former Brighton man to start alongside Bukayo Saka and Martinelli, dropping Eddie Nketiah to the bench after the young striker hasn't scored since his brace against Manchester United.
Gabriel Jesus' return to fitness this month will only bolster the Arsenal manager's options even further and could bring the best out of each player as they fight to prove themselves as starters heading into a crucial period of the season. A Premier League title and Europa League trophy is up for grabs for the Gunners this season and Arteta will need to rely on every player in his squad to give their all in an effort to make history and potentially win a historic double.
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