The Gunner midfielder, who had been given a round of applause by the Hammerheads faithful as he warmed up during the first half, had been benched for Wednesday’s exhibition against the Cavaliers.

However, after Ben Watson’s own goal and Mohammed Kudu’s brave goal in the fourth round, Mikel Arteta decided to put on Rodriguez to close out his match.

He brought the home team back to their feet, surpassing the former captain who had led them to European Conference League glory earlier that year, bringing an end to the club’s trophy drought.

The English returnee replaced Jorge, and although he had a favorable reception internally, RÖce received a batch of boo-boos when he went on the ball shortly after.