‘Incredible’: Arteta hails Martinelli as Arsenal break Manchester City hex

Mikel Arteta hailed a momentous step in the evolution of his Arsenal side after they beat Manchester City with a deflected late winner from Gabriel Martinelli. The dramatic conclusion to a largely cagey encounter ended their 12-match losing run in the Premier League against Pep Guardiola’s team and signalled that the title race this season could yet be wide open.

Arsenal leapfrogged City, who have now lost consecutive league games, to go second and Arteta explained that the pain of previous setbacks had given them the mental resilience to break the hex at last.

Gabriel Martinelli snatches statement win for Arsenal over Manchester CityRead more

Asked whether the win had lifted a psychological barrier, he said: “I …