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 said Arsenal started this season aware they were "super short" in squad depth and possessed several players at risk of injury but "couldn't do anything about it."