Gabriel Martinelli wins the game for Arsenal against Man City with late strike, the Emirates has erupted

Gabriel Martinelli has scored a late winner to secure a 1-0 win for Arsenal over Manchester City - and the Emirates Stadium is rocking.

Martinelli came off the bench in the second half, making his long-awaited return from injury, to spark life into a game that had, to that point, failed to ignite.

And the Brazilian struck on 85 minutes.

Receiving the ball from 20 yards out, he took a touch to move the ball forward before his effort took a deflection off Nathan Ake and evaded Ederson in the City goal.

But while City defenders were deflated, Arsenal players were delighted, and the Emirates erupted into life - just as it did when Declan Rice scored a late winner against Manchester United a month ago.

HUGE GOAL FOR ARSENAL! 🔥

Martinelli's deflected effort gives Arsenal late lead ✅ pic.twitter.com/clU60QH4Sy

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 8, 2023

Unlike the United clash, there was not time for another goal to rubberstamp the win, but the Gunners were able to hold on to secure what could prove to be a priceless victory come season's end.

Arsenal head into the international break in second position in the league, having leapfrogged City as a result of the win.

They are now level on points with fierce rivals Tottenham, with Ange Postecoglou's side ahead on goal difference.

The game was relatively quiet compared to what fans may have anticipated, with only two shots on target shared between Arsenal and City as the game entered its closing stages.

But as he did so many times last season, Martinelli made the difference - and it was some impact.

The Brazilian had missed the last five games through injury, with Mikel Arteta having struggled to replace his attacking output to the same effect.

But after being handed a goalscoring opportunity by Kai Havertz's pass, Martinelli got the goal - despite a hefty amount of fortune via Ake's deflection.

You won't see Arsenal fans complaining about it, though.