SMASH AND GAB RAID

Martinelli ends the Gunners' run of 12 defeats in a row to City

- JOHN CROSS

FINALLY Arsenal have done it. Finally they have broken Manchester City's stranglehold.

It was a scrappy, hard-fought win and hardly a classic but that will not matter in the slightest to Mikel Arteta (left).

The Emirates celebrated a huge victory - to halt City's run of 12 straight Premier League wins over the Gunners - which should also put an end to Arsenal's mental block against the reigning champions.

This was more of a statement than a memorable performance and the challenge now is for Arteta to make sure this is a turning point for his team.

It has to be the win that gives them the belief they can overhaul City in the title race and that they are good enough to go all of the way this time.

Gabriel Martinelli, on as a half-time substitute, was the match-winner, his shot taking a big deflection off Nathan Ake to fly into the net.

The decisive moment came after 86 minutes of forgettable Football.