Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has explained why he dropped Gabriel Martinelli for Leandro Trossard for the Gunners' clash against Aston Villa.
Explaining his decision to BT Sport, Arteta said: "It’s probably to give Leandro the chance he deserves in the starting XI, 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."
The Gunners were defeated by Manchester City on Wednesday night, relinquishing their spot at the top of the Premier League table for the first time in nearly six months. Now, Arsenal legend Martin Keown has admitted that a win at Villa Park is crucial for the north Londoners' title charge.
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Speaking to BT Sport, Keown said: "Yes it certainly does. It’s one of those they play first, Man City playing later in the day, they’ve got to strike back and you’ve got to send a message that you’re very much still in this race. Of course psychologically the momentum goes with Man City but I think there’s a chance for Arsenal today to put that disappointment behind them.
"We know it was a huge blow but I was very proud of the support for the club. Arsenal, that’s the sort of game you want to be involved in, you want to be involved in these big games, maybe just a little bit of inexperience cost Arsenal on the night."
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