Gabriel Martinelli has spoken candidly about his role at Arsenal after coming off the bench to snatch a crucial late equaliser against Manchester City. The Brazilian winger, who has started just two of Arsenal’s six matches in all competitions this season, acknowledged his frustration at limited minutes but stressed that he respects Mikel Arteta’s decisions.
Martinelli was left out of the starting XI at the Emirates despite scoring against Athletic Club in midweek. Instead, Arteta gave Leandro Trossard the nod on the left, with Eberechi Eze also ahead of the 24-year-old in the pecking order in recent weeks. His late introduction in the 80th minute proved decisive, though, as he ran behind City’s back line to lift the ball past Gianluigi Donnarumma and secure a 1-1 draw.
Speaking to BBC’s Match of the Day after the game, Martinelli admitted he is desperate to play more but will not challenge Arteta publicly. “Of course, I don’t want to be on the bench,” he said. “I want to play 90 minutes every single game, but Arteta knows what he does. He’s the gaffer and everyone trusts him.”
Arsenal legend Ian Wright criticised Arteta’s selection post-match, suggesting the Spaniard left too much attacking firepower on the sidelines. Yet Martinelli has tried to frame his situation positively, emphasising that his role is to help the team however he can. With Newcastle United next on the fixture list, the question is whether Arteta continues to rotate or rewards Martinelli with a start.
Martinelli: “I don’t want to be on the bench”
The winger reflected on his equaliser while underlining his determination to become more than just an impact substitute.
“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. 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.” — Gabriel Martinelli, BBC MOTD
Martinelli also reinforced that Arsenal’s ambitions remain high. “We play for Arsenal, we know how big this club is and we try our best to win every game. We didn’t want to draw but, in the end, we did.”
Arsenal’s tactical balance and selection dilemma
Arteta has a decision to make ahead of Newcastle. With Martin Ødegaard’s fitness in doubt, there is a possibility that both Martinelli and Eze could start — Martinelli on the left and Eze in a more central creative role. Such a setup, with Declan Rice and Martín Zubimendi anchoring midfield, would give Arsenal attacking dynamism without compromising defensive stability.
Arsenal’s defensive strength remains their foundation, but pundits argue that Arteta must take more risks if the Gunners are to bridge the gap to Liverpool at the top. Martinelli’s late heroics against City provided a glimpse of the energy and penetration he can offer from the outset rather than as a substitute.
| Stat (2025/26) | Gabriel Martinelli |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 5 |
| Minutes played | 171 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 1 |
source: sofascore match data – 21 September 2025
These numbers highlight Martinelli’s impact efficiency: two goals and one assist in limited time underline his case for a regular starting role.
Analyst verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William believes Martinelli’s frustration is understandable. “When you’re producing end product despite minimal minutes, you naturally want to start more. Arteta has an abundance of attacking options, but Martinelli’s pace and directness make him unique. Arsenal’s conservative approach against City needed his spark earlier.”
He added: “If Arsenal are serious about chasing Liverpool, they need to be braver. Martinelli and Eze together could be the solution, giving Arsenal the balance of flair and structure they need.”
Key insights
- Gabriel Martinelli admitted he “doesn’t want to be on the bench” but trusts Arteta.
- He has played only 171 minutes in all competitions but produced 2 goals and 1 assist.
- Ian Wright criticised Arteta’s decision to start Trossard over Martinelli vs City.
- Martinelli believes Arsenal should aim to win every game, not settle for draws.
- Arsenal may start both Martinelli and Eze against Newcastle if Ødegaard is absent.
What’s next for Arsenal?
Arsenal travel to St James’ Park to face Newcastle United in their next Premier League outing. It promises to be a stern test, with Eddie Howe’s side unbeaten at home so far this season. Whether Martinelli starts could be a key subplot of the encounter.
Beyond Newcastle, Arsenal must juggle Premier League commitments with Champions League group stage fixtures. Arteta’s rotation policy will remain under the microscope, particularly if results falter. Martinelli’s patience and productivity may force his manager’s hand sooner rather than later.
👉 Should Mikel Arteta start Gabriel Martinelli regularly, or is he more effective as an impact substitute?
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