Arsenal Bounce Back Sharp-Sharp From Bench Hustle, Na Rugby Union Inspire Am

Mikel Arteta talk say di “finishers” for Arsenal squad fit even dey “more important” pass those wey dey start game this season, idea wey e pick from rugby union playbook. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard show mad skills, both score and assist each other after dem come from bench, lead Gunners to 2-0 win against Spanish side Athletic Club for their first Champions League game. Martinelli don dey struggle these recent months as form no too dey, plus e dey sit bench plenty as new boy Eberechi Eze dey chop him left wing spot. Belgium forward Trossard, on the other hand, don dey limited to only three substitute appearances so far for 2025-26 season, big drop from last season wey e play 56 games. Does that mean dem don lose importance? No be so at all! Arteta talk say e “love” how rugby union dey call players “finishers”, guys wey fit come late, finish strong and change game. “The finishers go dey more important this season sometimes pass the starters,” Mikel Arteta dey ginger bench warriors. “We fit change the game for there, especially as intensity dey high and other teams begin tire and I dey very happy to see that.”

 Martinelli don be key player for Arteta since e take charge Arsenal, but as him form drop, fans begin dey talk plenty about whether him still deserve place for team. The Brazil international sabi all di talk, and e confidence suffer. Last season, e score 10 goals for all competitions, including that mad strike wey carry Arsenal win quarter-final second-leg against Real Madrid for Champions League. Arteta don always trust Martinelli for big games, and the boss happy well-well to see the 24-year-old play big role for this Arsenal win. “He fully deserve am,” Arteta talk. “I adore Gabi, him attitude, commitment, positivity, and wetin e ready do for the team. “We really value all di quality wey e bring, I happy say na im decide the game for us with those two big actions.”