da bet nacional： Gabriel Martinelli has been encouraged by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to seize the momentum of scoring a brace and kickstart his season.

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Martinelli scored late brace to seal 5-0 victoryArteta urged Martinelli to use goals as confidence boostArsenal send title warning to Liverpool and CityWHAT HAPPENED?

Martinelli's goals came late in injury time and only made the scoreline better reflect Arsenal's dominance over Crystal Palace. On both occasions, the Brazilian scampered beyond the Eagles defence and curled the ball into the bottom-right corner in a finish akin to the countless Thierry Henry goals the Arsenal fans have witnessed in North London be scored in the same manner. With Martinelli having struggled for form and goals this season, Arteta is optimistic this brace could transform his fortunes.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT ARTETA SAID

Speaking to the press after the game, Arteta said: "I think that [these goals are] going to make him really good. Sometimes when you are in that period, and he had a little issue in the last few days in training so he wasn’t fully, fully fit, [scoring a brace] changes momentum, it changes perception, it re-energises you. It’s everything."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Arsenal's victory over Palace sent out a warning to their title rivals that they are getting back to their attacking best. The Gunners have struggled for flair and goals this season, often relying on set pieces, but should Martinelli recapture his best form, Arsenal fans would be forgiven for believing a first Premier League title for 20 years could be within reach.

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MARTINELLI?

The Brazilian forward has been in and out of the team this season due to issues with form and injury, yet will be desperate to make himself irreplaceable yet again for Arteta's side. The Gunners face Nottingham Forest and Liverpool in their next two games in what represents a real challenge of their title credentials.