Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta stood firm on his team selection following the 1-1 draw with Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium. The Spaniard underlined that starting Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, and Mikel Merino was no gamble, highlighting the same trio had been decisive in their Champions League triumph over Athletic Club.
Arteta Explains Midfield Choices
At his press conference, Arteta reminded reporters that the midfield had already proven effective days earlier: “Nobody asked me about the midfield three in Bilbao, nobody. It’s the same midfield, because I believe it was the best thing for the team.”
Manchester City went ahead through Erling Haaland, but Gabriel Martinelli came off the bench to score deep in stoppage time. The equaliser kept Arsenal in second place with 10 points, trailing leaders Liverpool by five. City dropped to ninth with seven points from their opening games.
Despite securing a late point, Arteta admitted he had hoped for more: “I’m extremely proud of the players and the team. Overall, I’m very disappointed with the result.”
Tactical Approach Questioned
Critics suggested Arsenal approached the opening half too cautiously, but Arteta rejected that narrative. He insisted the plan was clear and well executed: “It’s too easy to say that [our tactics were wrong]. I think it’s very clear what we wanted to do. Very well we started the game. We completely dominated. I think they scored the goal after doing absolutely nothing before that. We were a bit shaky for five or 10 minutes, and after we still had a grip on the game, we started to dominate it.”
He added that the second period followed the same blueprint, only with adjustments from the bench: “The second half was a continuation of that with one different player, and then with two or three different players.”
Bukayo Saka was introduced at the interval to boost Arsenal’s attack, though Arteta maintained his first-half approach had been justified.
Martinelli Proves His Worth
Arteta, who recently referred to substitutes as “finishers,” praised Gabriel Martinelli’s decisive cameo. The Brazilian had also scored against Bilbao in midweek, and his form earned another chance.
“We had very good momentum as well. He’s in a really good moment and after the game against Bilbao, that period of time he deserved more.
His energy and attitude was really good and that’s why he made the impact he did for the team.”
Martinelli’s late strike salvaged a draw, but Arteta stressed his side must push harder if they are to stay close to Liverpool in the title race.
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