SAEDNEWS: Mikel Arteta says Arsenal’s “finishers” — inspired by rugby union — could prove more decisive than his starters this season, after Martinelli and Trossard came off the bench to secure a 2-0 Champions League win over Athletic Club.
For Arsenal, victory in Spain was not just about three points. It was about a philosophy.
Mikel Arteta has long spoken about the importance of mentality, depth, and resilience in his squad. But after Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Athletic Club in their Champions League opener, the manager revealed a new twist to his approach: a concept borrowed from rugby union.
He doesn’t call his substitutes “bench players.” He calls them “finishers.” And on a night when Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard both came off the bench to score and assist one another, it looked like a masterstroke.
Gabriel Martinelli
Leandro Trossard
Brazilian forward Martinelli has endured a tough run of form. Dropped in favor of new arrival Eberechi Eze, his confidence seemed shaken. Yet when he replaced a tiring teammate in Bilbao, it took him just 36 seconds to find the net — Arsenal’s fastest-ever Champions League goal by a substitute.
Moments later, Trossard — who has been limited to brief cameo appearances this season — doubled the lead, with Martinelli providing the assist. For a player who has already built a reputation as one of the Premier League’s most impactful substitutes, it was another reminder of his game-changing ability.
Since joining Arsenal in January 2023, Trossard has been directly involved in 14 goals as a substitute (10 goals, 4 assists) — more than any other Premier League player in that span.
Asked about his approach, Arteta explained:
“The finishers are going to be more important this season sometimes than the starters. We can change the game there, especially with the intensity that we play and teams start to drop off.”
It’s an idea taken from rugby union, where players brought on in the final stages are not viewed as backup, but as decisive closers.
Arteta admitted it “hurts” him to leave players like Martinelli and Trossard out of the starting XI, but praised their mentality and impact:
“I looked at him [Martinelli] on the bench, and in his eyes I saw he was ready. Leo as well. They played with confidence and connection — that will be key this season.”
Arsenal are currently without several stars: captain Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka, and Kai Havertz are sidelined, while William Saliba was only fit enough for the bench. That forced Arteta to lean on his summer signings, with five of them starting against Athletic Club.
The performance of Martinelli and Trossard offered reassurance that Arsenal’s depth may be stronger than ever — a factor that could prove vital in both domestic and European competitions.
For Martinelli, the goal was about more than statistics. He has been at the heart of fan debates, his form questioned after a modest tally of 10 goals last season. But Arteta never lost faith.
“I adore Gabi,” the manager said. “His attitude, his commitment, his positivity. I am so happy he decided the game for us with those two actions.”
The team’s reaction spoke volumes. Players swarmed Martinelli after his strike, with Riccardo Calafiori pointing to the name on the back of his shirt in front of the traveling fans.
“That’s the spirit,” Arteta added. “They genuinely want the best for each other. When you go through struggles, to be recognized by your teammates like that means everything.”
Arsenal’s win in Bilbao was more than just a group-stage victory. It symbolized a squad evolving beyond the traditional notion of starters and substitutes. In Arteta’s vision, every player has the potential to be decisive — not just in the first whistle, but especially in the closing minutes.
As the season unfolds, Arsenal’s “finishers” could well prove the difference between near misses and silverware.
