MIKEL ARTETA has revealed that Gabriel Martinelli wanted to make amends after his penalty heartbreak against Sporting Lisbon.
The Brazilian attacker’s miss from the spot saw Arsenal knocked out of the Europa League on Thursday.
But he was on target as the Gunners hammered Crystal Palace in their return to Premier League action.
And Arteta has admitted that Martinelli told him he wanted to play in the game.
He told BBC Sport: “The reaction he had after missing a penalty [on Thursday].
“There is always the question, but I asked him yesterday how he was and he said: ‘I want to be in the team’.”
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Granit Xhaka and Bukayo Saka wrapped up the result with the Englishman netting a brace.
Arteta was left “impressed” with what he saw as the whole side put the disappointment from Thursday behind them.
He added: “The desire and the energy that we put in right from the beginning impressed me most.
“We were really determined and focused and left Thursday in the past.
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“After playing 120 minutes, they have to come back here and do it again against a team with a lot of needs.
“Palace have not got the results lately but they have be very tough to beat.
“But we were dominant and deserved to win the game.
“Today, in the box when we had those openings, we defined the game in the right way.”
The win has seen Arsenal extend their lead over Man City in the table to eight points.
Arteta praised the achievement but is focused on the team’s next match in the Premier League.
He said: “It feels very good, especially with the way we have played and the results we have picked up.
“Now we must stop and make sure everyone comes back from the internationals with the same mindset.
“We have Leeds next and we put the focus there.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
