Arteta Highlights Importance of Arsenal's Finishers

Mikel Arteta believes that the "finishers" in his Arsenal squad may be more crucial than the starting players this season, a concept he has drawn inspiration from rugby union.

In their opening Champions League match, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard both scored and assisted each other, leading Arsenal to a 2-0 victory against Athletic Club in Spain.

Martinelli has faced challenges in recent months, struggling with form and finding himself on the bench while new signing Eberechi Eze has taken the position on the left wing.

Similarly, Trossard, who played 56 games last season, has made only three substitute appearances thus far in the 2025-26 season.

Despite their reduced roles, Arteta emphasized that these players remain vital to the team's success. He expressed his admiration for the term "finishers" in rugby, stating, "They are at least equally important, or more important. We have discussed that. 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. I’m very pleased to see that."

Arsenal is currently missing key players Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka, and Kai Havertz due to injuries, with William Saliba only fit enough for the bench. This situation has necessitated Arteta's reliance on his new signings, with five of them starting in the win against Athletic Club.

Arteta admitted it is emotionally challenging to exclude certain players from the squad but expressed satisfaction with the contributions of Martinelli and Trossard, who he initially disappointed by naming them as substitutes. "Very pleased because it is very difficult emotionally to leave players out. I know how much they want to play this competition and what it means to them," he said. "Every time you give the line-up you are disappointing a lot of players. To have that spirit, I looked on the bench and I looked at him [Martinelli], and in his eyes I saw he was ready. Leo [Trossard] as well. They play with confidence and that connection between them is really good. I think that is going to help us a lot this season. It is going to be key this season."

The Genuine Spirit Among Players

Martinelli has been a significant player for Arteta during his tenure but has recently come under scrutiny from fans regarding his place in the team due to his dip in form. Aware of the discussions surrounding him, his confidence had been affected.

Last season, he scored 10 goals across all competitions, including a memorable strike in the Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid. Arteta has consistently trusted Martinelli in crucial matches and was thrilled with the winger's impactful performance in the recent victory. "He fully deserves it," Arteta said. "I adore Gabi. His attitude, his commitment, his positivity, and what he is willing to do for the team. We certainly value all of the quality he has and brings to the team - I am so happy he has decided the game for us in the two actions."

The Arsenal players celebrated with Martinelli after his goal, with Riccardo Calafiori pointing to the player's name on the back of his shirt in front of the supporters. "That’s the spirit," Arteta remarked. "That’s why I really enjoy every single day working with them and being part of this team. The way they look after each other is genuine. They really want the best for each other, and they recognize someone that works every single day in the manner that Gabi does. You can go through struggles or through moments, and recognizing that and having that capacity to connect with him, I think it will mean a lot to him."

Arteta concluded, "I was sure that Gabi was going to react like that. You raise the level to Gabi and he was going to do that. They are the moments that hopefully are going to give him the confidence again to go, as he is an outstanding player."

Arteta Highlights Importance of Arsenal's Finishers

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