Darren Bent names the ‘masterstroke’ Mikel Arteta pulled off during Arsenal v Crystal Palace

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Gabriel Martinelli struck two late goals as Arsenal downed Crystal Palace today and Darren Bent thinks Mikel Arteta deserves huge credit.

Martinelli came off the bench to score his double late on and put the gloss on a comfortable day at the office for the Gunners.

For the Brazilian, getting back in and among the goals will have been a big relief after the last few weeks.

For Arsenal in general, seeing one of their star forwards scoring will also feel like a big weight has been lifted.

And speaking on PLP about the game and Martinelli’s introduction, former PL striker Darren Bent believes the decision to bench him by Arteta was a ‘masterstroke’.

“Martinelli today, coming off the bench, I mean, it was a masterstroke from Arteta, you know, maybe making him come off the bench. But the two goals he scored, showed me that’s a man full of confidence still,” Bent said.

There was no such joy for both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus though. The pair did well in wide areas in the game but never quite got good chances to score.

A big run coming

The narrative around Arsenal needing a striker and looking at players like Ivan Toney and more has dominated the press in recent weeks.

However, this felt like a statement from Martinelli to tell Mikel Arteta that he can do the business for him if he’s needed.

Both goals were clinical finishes and he’ll be hoping this can be the start of a run of form that sees him get into the goals again regularly.

Martinelli is a quality operator on his day but had just dried up a touch in front of goal.

With two nice finishes like today, the Brazilian will now have a spring in his step for the next few games.