It means Arteta must get creative once again and, essentially, turn to his fifth option to lead the line. Ethan Nwaneri and Raheem Sterling can play as a striker but, on the evidence of Sunday, Martinelli should get the nod.

Mikel Arteta has spoken of his frustration at Arsenal’s first half performance in Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Liverpool.

Mikel Arteta has labelled Arsenal's first-half performance in their 2-2 draw with Liverpool as "unacceptable". The Gunners went two goals down after conceding twice in as many first-half minutes at Anfield. For the opener, they were caught unaware as the hosts took a quick throw-in with Andy Robertson then crossing for Cody Gakpo to head in.