Things went from bad to worse when winger Gabriel Martinelli hobbled off with an apparent hamstring injury in the 37th minute, just two days after Arsenal stood pat in the January transfer window despite Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus already out through long-term injuries.

Mikel Arteta has admitted that Arsenal were “disappointed” not to sign anyone in the winter transfer window, but felt the need to remain ‘disciplined’ in how they acted. The Arsenal manager was vocal about his desire for a January addition to the frontline,