Overview

• Gabriel Martinelli came off the bench to score a 93rd-minute equaliser in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City after netting as a substitute in the Champions League win over Athletic Bilbao.
• Mikel Arteta has revived rugby-inspired language around substitutes, praising Martinelli’s impact within a defined ‘finisher’ role tailored to game states.
• Declan Rice highlighted that Martinelli’s pace and dribbling are most dangerous once matches open up in the final half-hour.
• Theo Walcott lauded Martinelli’s movement and timing against City and said he is the one attacker consistently running in behind.
• Competition from summer signings has reduced Martinelli’s starts, with Leandro Trossard often preferred on the left, and pundit reports suggest he could reassess his situation by January if minutes remain limited, though a Carabao Cup trip to Port Vale may offer a start.