Mikel Arteta credited Arsenal’s bench strength for their 2-0 Champions League win over Athletic Club, hailing substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard as key "finishers" a term borrowed from rugby union. Both players came off the bench to score and assist each other, sealing a vital away victory. Martinelli, recently out of form and benched in favour of new signing Eberechi Eze, made a strong impact, while Trossard continued to impress despite limited minutes this season. “The finishers could be more important than the starters,” Arteta said, highlighting a tactical shift in how squad depth is viewed and utilised.
