Gabriel Martinelli Arsenal 2023-24Getty Images

Arsenal player ratings vs Man City: Gabriel Martinelli is back! Fit-again Brazilian sparks Gunners into life in Bukayo Saka's absence

Gabriel Martinelli seized his moment for Arsenal as the substitute fired in the late winner in Sunday's 1-0 victory over Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium. The Brazil attacker was brought on at half-time and provided an instant boost for a Gunners frontline that had been flat and hopeless throughout the first 45 minutes.

His presence helped open City up a bit, and although there was a lot of luck - his shot smacked the face of Nathan Ake before beating Ederson - it was fitting that it was the returning Martinelli who made the difference for Mikel Arteta's team.

Although the Arsenal coach will be delighted to see his team get the three points, the headline clash raised a lot of questions for him to ponder, particularly surrounding the goalkeeper conundrum. Despite managing a clean sheet against Pep Guardiola's treble winners, Gunners shot-stopper David Raya, perhaps haunted by his error against Lens in midweek, did not come off looking good.

The summer loan signing was a mess from the beginning. His awful distribution was one thing, but his dilly-dallying on the ball almost caused a blunder as Julian Alvarez came rushing in to block him from kicking the ball out and he had no command of his box for most of the game.

Meanwhile, the struggles of Eddie Nketiah and Leandro Trossard in attack showed just how badly the north London side need Bukayo Saka. The young England star's energy and creativity were missing throughout the game and left Arsenal feeling a point would have been a great result until Martinelli stole all three.

GOAL rates Arsenal's players from the Emirates Stadium...

Article continues below