Mikel Arteta wants to see the Premier League change the rule regarding the amount of substitutes he can name as he lamented the fact he had to leave out some of his Arsenal stars and teenage prospects
Mikel Arteta led Arsenal to an impressive win in Cardiff
Mikel Arteta led Arsenal to an impressive win in Cardiff
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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admits he's fighting with the Premier League to increase the amount of subs available on matchdays as he bemoaned the fact he had to leave out some of his players.
The Gunners began their season with a statement win as the Premier League champions downed last year's domestic cup winners Manchester City 3-0 in Cardiff, taking the lead within 30 seconds before asserting their dominance.
Arteta was able to showcase the strength of his squad with Martin Odegaard taking centre stage, but plenty of talk was surrounding the names he didn't name in the starting IX or on the bench, fuelling suggestions they will be on the moved before the transfer window closes.
Teenage star Ethan Nwaneri was among those to be left out with Noni Madueke, Odegaard, new signing Christos Tzolis and Kai Havertz named as the team's four attacking players. Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Max Dowman and Viktor Gyokeres were among the substitutes.
And Arteta confessed he wants to see the rules over bench numbers tweaked as he said to TNT Sports: “It’s really sad not to have their availability. I’ve been fighting with the Premier League to extend and accommodate more players in the squad because they deserve to be in the squad, there’s no question.
“Ethan [Nwaneri] and Marli [Salmon] as well, who has had the whole pre-season with us. Hopefully we can change that rule so players can enjoy on the pitch and can be an option to play and contribute to the team going forward.”
Brazilian duo Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli were among those not included in Sunday’s clash. Jesus only has a year left on his deal at the Emirates whilst Martinelli is of interest to Galatasaray and is ultimately competing in one of the most competitive parts of the squad.
Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus are both linked with the exit door
Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus are both linked with the exit door(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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When asked if they will remain Arsenal players in this transfer window, Arteta replied: “Yes they’re very important for us.”
Arsenal's bench also included England talisman Declan Rice, who will come back into the starting XI, and Spain's World Cup winners Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi among the internationals Arteta could call upon.
Arteta has been able to assemble arguably Europe's most impressive squad during his tenure at Arsenal, giving them huge depth and quality. Those lower down the Premier League, who will have to try and find a way to thwart the champions this season, will no doubt argue that increasing the sub numbers would only give the top sides an even greater advantage.