Mikel Arteta explains reason He drop Gabriel Martinelli for Leandro Trossard ahead of Arsenal gam against Aston Villa

Mikel Arteta has given an explanation for his surprising decision to replace Gabriel Martinelli with Leandro Trossard in the starting lineup for Saturday lunchtime's crucial match against Aston Villa.

Martinelli, who has participated in every one of Arsenal's Premier League games this year and has contributed seven goals and two assists to the team's midfield, has played in every game for Arsenal.

According to the Reportminds blog, January signing Trossard will take Gabriel Martinelli's place.

Since moving from Brighton in the January transfer window, the 29-year-old has won over his new coach.

The Arsenal manager has made a number of lineup adjustments for the game today, which is why Trossard was added, despite the Gunners' midweek 3-1 loss to Manchester City. 

'Well it’s to give Leandro the chance he deserves in the starting XI,' he said. 'He’s been impacting the team every time he’s been on the field and we needed some changes and energy as well in the front line.