Ian Wright claims that Mikel Arteta’s new “finish” term will not change the fact that certain players will have to sit on the submarine bench when Gabriel Martinelli reappears
Ian Wright admits that Mikel Arteta’s decision to bring in the phrase “finisher” does not deny the fact that “you’re still a substitute” as Gabriel Martinelli proved his worth from Arsenal’s bench against Manchester City again.
The Brazilian goal saved the gunner’s stop time point and came a few days after he left the bench to open up a goal at Athletic Bilbao in Arsenal’s Champions League. Leandro Trossard scored that night after coming as an alternative.
Arteta argued that “finishers must influence the game” because he used phrases primarily derived from rugby and emphasized the value of those who do not start the competition. Martinelli and Eberechi Eze were one of those who missed the starting point against City as Eze set up the equalizer.
The Arsenal boss continues to try to be innovative with his approach, but Wright claims he can rebrand everything he wants.
Martinelli appears twice a few days after being introduced to the game, and Wright fears that the Brazilian can earn a reputation as a more effective player as a sub, rather than taking up the first role he wants.
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He told Premier League productions: “It sounds different from being a replacement, but you’re still a replacement. The fact is, you have to come, so you have to try and save the game again. You want to start the game and prove that you can do it when you start.
“Is he going to get a typecast now? He did it in the Champions League, so he did it in another big game with a big team. At one stage you’re like, ‘When do you get the chance to be a starter?’
“You know, his performance with him getting out of the bench and doing what he’s doing is, “I want more, I’m going to prove I can do more, and when I get the opportunity, I have to be more consistent, so people don’t think I’ll shock players.”
Arteta confessed that Martinelli’s exploits probably justified more involvement, but welcomed his influence from the bench. “He’s in a really good moment again after the match in Bilbao, and that period probably makes him more appropriate,” he said. “But his energy again, his attitude was really good, so he made the impact he made again for the team.
The Arsenal boss continued. “Because every player who doesn’t start the game, every player who can’t do it, knows how long the game is and the level it takes to beat them, and we are very pleased with him.”
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