Ian Wright concern over Mikel Arteta approach as hint droppped over new Arsenal role

Ian Wright acknowledges that Mikel Arteta's decision to introduce the term "finishers" doesn't change the reality that "you're still a substitute" as Gabriel Martinelli once again demonstrated his value from the bench for Arsenal against Manchester City.

The Brazilian's strike secured a point in added time for the Gunners and arrived just days after he emerged from the bench to break the deadlock in Arsenal's Champions League victory over Athletic Bilbao. Leandro Trossard also found the net that evening after being introduced as a substitute.

Arteta employed a phrase predominantly borrowed from rugby and insisted that "finishers have to impact the game" as he emphasised the importance of those who don't begin the match. Martinelli and Eberechi Eze were amongst those to be overlooked for starting berths against City, with Eze providing the assist for the leveller.

The Arsenal manager has persisted in attempting to be creative with his methodology but Wright maintains he can rebrand all he wishes - he is fundamentally consigning certain players to the substitutes' bench to commence fixtures.

Martinelli has delivered the goods twice within a matter of days after being brought into contests and Wright worries that the Brazilian could ultimately develop a standing as a player who is more impactful as a substitute, rather than filling the starting position that he'll desire. He told Premier League Productions: "It sounds different to being a substitute - but you're still a substitute. The fact is, you've got to come on and you've got to try and save the game again. You want to start the game and prove you can do that when you're starting.", reports the Mirror.

"Is he going to get typecast now? Because he's done it in the Champions League, he's done it in another big game against a big team. At some stage, you think, 'When do I get my chance to be the starter?'".

"I think, you know, his performances with him coming off the bench and doing what he's doing, only highlight the fact, 'I want more, I'm going to prove I can do more, and when I do get the opportunity, I've got to be more consistent so people don't think I'm am impact player'."

Arteta acknowledged that Martinelli's displays likely merited greater involvement but praised his contribution from the substitutes' bench. "He's in a really good moment again after the game he had in Bilbao and that period of time probably he deserved more," he said.

"But his energy again, his attitude was really good and that's why he made the impact that he made again for the team."

The Arsenal manager added: "We want consistency on that, for every player that doesn't start the game to be able to do that, because you see how long the match is and the level that it requires to beat them, and we're very happy with him."

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