Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal Vs Leeds United: 5 things we learned – Mikel Arteta turns tide

By Andrew Dowdeswell

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 06: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal (L) applauds the fans following his side's victory during the FA Cup Third Round match between Arsenal FC and Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on January 06, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 06: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal (L) applauds the fans following his side's victory during the FA Cup Third Round match between Arsenal FC and Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on January 06, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 06: Luke Ayling of Leeds United holds off Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal during the FA Cup Third Round match between Arsenal FC and Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on January 06, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 06: Luke Ayling of Leeds United holds off Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal during the FA Cup Third Round match between Arsenal FC and Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on January 06, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

3. Gabriel Martinelli is back

It may have only been from off the bench, and it might have only been a 23-minute cameo on the left flank, but the return of young Brazilian Gabriel Martinelli was as exciting as every fan thought it might be before kick-off.

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Immediately thrown into the line-up with his relentless energy and infectious effervescence, Martinelli pressed hard, harassing the Leeds defenders, not allowing them to build from deep, and was extremely dangerous when he received the ball to his feet.

His dribbling was most noticeable on this occasion. Luke Ayling, who is an excellent defender, could not contain him, Martinelli’s deceptive strength, explosive acceleration, and knack for wriggling past challenges making him extremely difficult to keep tabs on. Martinelli was the true definition of a handful.

As Mikel Arteta looks to build his team around a hard-working high press, quick, direct play in possession, and individual quality on the ball to beat defenders and score goals, Martinelli seems like the perfect player to execute it. His return, then, is most welcome.