Mikel Arteta has claimed he knew Gabriel Martinelli was ready to make an immediate impact against Athletic Bilbao by the ‘look in his eyes’, prior to his opening goal just moments after being introduced from the bench.
The Arsenal boss hailed his super subs as Martinelli and Leandro Trossard came on late to down Athletic Bilbao.
An inspired Martinelli broke the deadlock just 36 seconds after being introduced, with fellow substitute Trossard putting him through on goal in the 71st minute.
The winger then returned the favour, assisting Trossard 15 minutes later to secure three points in the Gunners’s opening Champions League match of the season.
Martinelli has had to contend with a place on the bench of late, yet Arteta had been convinced the Brazilian was ready to score last night because of a look ‘in his eyes’ and backs him to kick on.
Arteta said: ‘I adore Gabriel. His attitude, his commitment, his positivity, what he’s willing to do for the team. As a family, we certainly value all the qualities that he has, and he brings to the team.
Gabriel Martinelli scored 36 seconds after coming on as Arsenal won 2-0 over Athletic Bilbao
Martinelli slotted in the opening goal after being played through by Leandro Trossard
Mikel Arteta praised Martinelli and Trossard, who scored Arsenal’s second goal in the victory
‘I was sure that Gabby was going to react like that. You raise the level to Gabby and he was going to do that. He has such a mentality. That’s the moment that hopefully is going to give him the confidence to go again, because he’s an outstanding player.
‘I looked on the bench, I looked at him, and in his eyes I could see that he was ready, Leo as well. They play with that confidence and that connection between them as well, and it’s really good. I think that’s going to help us a lot for the future.’
After splurging £250milion over the summer, Arteta believes he has the right squad depth.
Arteta said: ‘They (substitutes) are at least equally important or more important (than the starters).
‘Especially with the intensity that we play when the team starts to drop off. I’m very pleased to see that.
‘And Piero (Hincapie) comes in and plays six minutes, the best six minutes he’s played. Christian (Norgaard) is the same, and that’s the attitude that we need from all of us.’
