Mikel Arteta believes that the players coming off the bench could become decisive for Arsenal this season, suggesting they might be even more impactful than those who start matches. The manager shared that he has adopted the term “finishers” from rugby union, where substitutes are considered vital in closing out games.
In their Champions League opener against Athletic Club, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard stepped off the bench to transform the contest, each scoring and assisting the other in a 2-0 victory. Arteta said their influence underlined how important impact players could be in tight encounters.
Martinelli has faced a challenging spell, losing his spot on the left flank to new signing Eberechi Eze. Trossard, meanwhile, has mostly watched from the sidelines this campaign, making only three appearances as a substitute after a demanding previous season.
Despite their recent reduced roles, Arteta insisted their contributions remain invaluable. “The finishers are going to be more important this season sometimes than the starters,” he explained, adding that their energy could shift matches when opponents tire.
Injuries open door for new faces
Arsenal were without Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, and Kai Havertz due to injuries, while William Saliba was only fit enough to be on the bench. As a result, five of Arteta’s summer recruits featured from the start in the win over the Spanish side.
The manager admitted it was painful to leave out trusted players but said he was impressed by the determination of those who waited for their chance. He described seeing the readiness in Martinelli’s eyes before he entered the pitch and praised Trossard’s confident display.
Arteta added that he understands how tough it is for players to be left out of the starting XI, knowing how much the competition means to them. He said that every team announcement inevitably disappoints several members of the squad.
Martinelli rewarded for persistence
Since arriving at Arsenal, Martinelli has often been central to Arteta’s plans, but his recent dip in form has made him the subject of debate among supporters. Aware of the criticism, his confidence took a hit, and he managed only ten goals across all competitions last season – though one came in the Champions League quarter-final at Real Madrid.
Arteta expressed joy at seeing the Brazilian winger make such an impact, calling him a player with exceptional dedication and positive energy. The team’s celebrations after his goal, with Riccardo Calafiori pointing to Martinelli’s name on his shirt, showed how much the squad supported him.
The coach said that Martinelli’s determination to respond to challenges is what sets him apart and that moments like this can restore his belief. Arteta described him as an outstanding player whose influence will be vital if Arsenal is to succeed this season.
