3 weeks ago
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Arsenal are currently six points clear at the top of the Premier League but Manchester City are continuing to hunt them down
Speaking back in 2023, Mikel Arteta boldly claimed he now calls substitutes "impactors" following dialogue with former England rugby boss Eddie Jones.
Since then, he has pivoted to the term "finishers" because he feels their role is to solidify results and kill matches from the bench.
Whether you are a fan of either phrase or not, what cannot be disputed is that it works for Arsenal.
The Gunners' maiden Champions League victory of the season away to Athletic Club in September was living proof of that and would set the tone for the rest of the campaign.
Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard both came off the bench to score and by the end of the group phase, Arsenal had won eight matches from a possible eight.
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Arsenal's newly-established squad depth has created huge competition for places at the Emirates Stadium and every player is chomping at the bit to impress when they receive an opportunity.
Players like Martinelli, who has been short of regular starts, have frequently featured from the bench and there is now a firm argument that the Brazilian is better at impacting matches as a substitute than as a starter.
Of course, it's not a title he favours but Arteta has created an environment where match-winners do not necessarily have to start games and it means that even if you're named on the bench, there is no need to feel downbeat because you can still have a say.
In their past two Premier League matches alone, Arsenal's subs have provided six goal contributions. Viktor Gyokeres struck a brace against Sunderland and the Swede's second was also assisted by Martinelli.
Gabriel Jesus also came off the bench to score in the 4-0 demolition of Leeds while Martinelli and Martin Odegaard also provided assists. Kai Havertz came off the bench to net the winner against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg, too.
City by comparison have not had a substitute score in the Premier League since the opening day of the season when Rayan Cherki netted against Wolves.
Arsenal's subs have 16 goal contributions in the Premier League and that is more than any other team. It's a string to their bow that City arguably lack even though Pep Guardiola's squad is stacking with top-class talent.
Even if Arsenal are not winning a game come the 60th or 70th minute, you just know they still have a number of other options up their sleeve to inflict the damage.
Arteta's appreciation and value for "finishers" could yet just give them an extra edge in the title race.
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