Gabriel Martinelli comments on Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal team selection after late Man City goal

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Despite Gabriel Martinelli’s superb goal off the bench against Athletic Club in the Champions League, Mikel Arteta decided not to start the Arsenal winger vs Manchester City.

Instead, Arteta opted to put his faith in Leandro Trossard on the left, a decision which might have surprised Arsenal fans.

Ian Wright criticised Arteta’s team selection after the match – he wasn’t happy that the Spaniard left so much attacking talent on the sidelines.

And it wasn’t until the 80th minute that Arteta decided to introduce Gabriel Martinelli to test City’s resolute back line.

The Brazilian has started only two of Arsenal’s six matches in all competitions this season, and he’s also found himself behind Eberechi Eze in the pecking order.

Gabriel Martinelli doesn’t want to be an impact substitute for Arsenal

That being said, Martinelli spoke to BBC’s Match of the Day following full-time on Sunday, and the winger spoke about his new role, often sitting on the bench.

And whilst Martinelli made it pretty clear that he would prefer to start games, he also insisted that he backs his manager’s decisions, even if they are at the cost of his minutes.

Initially discussing his impact equaliser, Martinelli said: “I work for those moments. I leave [selection] for the gaffer, he knows what he does. I just do my best to help this football club.

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“Of course, I don’t want to be on the bench. I want to play 90 minutes every single game but Arteta knows what he does, he’s the gaffer and everyone trusts him. We’re really happy with him.”

Ultimately Martinelli seemed somewhat content to settle for a draw given Arsenal were losing for long periods.

But the winger also made it clear that a club of this size are aiming to win every game they play.

Martinelli continued: “We play for Arsenal, we know how big this club is and we try our best in the games to win football matches. We didn’t want to draw but, in the end, we did.”

Eberechi Eze deserves to start alongside Gabriel Martinelli

When choosing his team to face Newcastle United next time out in the Premier League, it seems as if Arteta will somewhat choose between Martinelli and Eze on the left.

But depending on Martin Odegaard’s fitness, Arteta would be better served planning to use both in the starting eleven.

Eze is more than capable of thriving as the right-sided number eight in place of Odegaard, and Martinelli can occupy his usual role on the left.

And in a midfield packed with Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice, Arsenal shouldn’t lack defensive security.

Pep Guardiola was impressed with Arsenal on Sunday, but it still feels as if there is a lot more to come from Arteta’s side, who need to play slightly less conservatively.

Arsenal’s defensive record is a clear strength – their prowess at the back has underlined their success in recent years.

But in order to take the next step, more risks need to be taken.