“We Are Together” – Arsenal Star Dismisses Idea ‘Captaincy-gate’ Could’ve Distracted The Team

Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli says events this week never threatened to distract the team…

Arsenal starlet Gabriel Martinelli dismissed the idea that the stripping of Pierre-Emerick Aubamyenag’s captaincy could’ve distracted the team after we put in a dominant performance against West Ham, the 20-year-old told BT Sport.

The 2-0 win sees us move into the top four for the first time in 14 months thanks to goals from Martinelli and Emile Smith Rowe.

Alexandre Lacazette donned the captain’s armband and produced a stellar display leading the line, providing the assist for the game’s opener.

It was arguably our best team performance of the season against a side that sat above us in the league ahead of kick-off, something we’ve not done enough of under Arteta.

Martinelli retained his place in the team despite Smith Rowe’s return to fitness, and the Olympic gold medalist assured the fans that unity in the dressing room is intact.

“We are a team and we are together,” Martinelli said when asked if the issue surrounding the captaincy threatened to derail the side.

“It’s up to Mikel and the whole team to decide who’s going to be the captain.”

Arteta has made it clear that he will follow the order established among “the leadership group”, with Lacazette taking the armband when he’s on the field.

Appointing a long-term captain can wait until the summer, for now, though, we can look ahead with optimism as the team dares to go against all odds and bring Champions League football back to the Emirates.