Martinelli happy to bag brace as Arsenal thump Hodgson's Palace

Gabriel Martinelli was pleased to add two goals to his season tally after coming off the bench to apply gloss to Arsenal's thumping win over Crystal Palace.

The Gunners were already 3-0 up when Martinelli entered the fray thanks to Gabriel Magalhaes' opener, Palace stopper Dean Henderson's own goal and Leandro Trossard's strike just before the hour mark.

A late double in stoppage time rounded off a 5-0 victory for the hosts at the Emirates — the Brazilian's third and fourth Premier League goals of the season.

He told TNT Sports: "I'm so pleased for the team. I think we needed a performance like that. I'm here to help the team even if I only play one, two or three minutes.

"Today, I had the opportunity to score two and I'm so happy with the team and the performance.

"We know our qualities. It doesn't matter what people say on the outside, we believe in ourselves.

"We showed that today and what we can do. We will try our best and keep going, because we know our potential.

"We knew we needed a game like that where we had a clean sheet and scored five goals. It was so important."

Arsenal were happy to celebrate a win for the first time since December 17, following a run which saw them lose to London rivals West Ham and Fulham in the Premier League before being knocked out of the FA Cup at home to Liverpool.

For Palace, they have only won two of their last 16 matches in all competitions, with pressure now mounting on boss Roy Hodgson.

Visiting fans expressed their frustrations at the Emirates, unfurling a banner criticising the club's hierarchy and manager.

Former Arsenal forward Theo Walcott told BBC Radio 5 Live: "If you are thinking of the team and the club itself and the next generation of managers coming through, who individualise the players they coach, you think maybe it is time for a change.

"Take Graham Potter for example, who is in the stands there today, he could be a good option if Roy does leave.

"I think this result today and the way Palace have ended the game has been pretty poor."