Mikel Arteta has been criticised for his decision to substitute Viktor Gyokeres whilst Arsenal were chasing a goal against Athletic Bilbao.
The striker made his Champions League debut for the Gunners, who eventually won 2-0 away to the LaLiga outfit on Tuesday night to create European Cup history.
Shortly before half-time, Gyokeres clashed heads with his teammate Gabriel and suffered a nasty cut that required bandaging.
He remained in the XI for the beginning of the second half, but came off with 65 minutes on clock for Leandro Trossard.
It’s a decision that drew criticism from Arsenal legend Perry Groves as the visitors began to increase the tempo.
Speaking on commentary for talkSPORT, he said: “That’s a strange decision, actually, from Arteta.
“If you were Gyokeres, you wouldn’t want to be coming off because Arsenal are just starting to exert a little bit of pressure.
“So, that threat in behind has gone now, you probably might find that Merino will go up front with Trossard just dropping into that midfield position.”
Groves later added: “It’s just strange, I don’t know, Mikel Arteta has obviously got his reasons.
“But you’ve got your centre-forward on the pitch who has been a threat in behind all game.
“He’s holding the ball up, Arsenal are starting to exert a little bit of pressure
“If you’re a centre-forward, if you’re Gyokeres, you’d be devastated coming off.
Arteta’s decision was questioned amid the score being 0-0 when the change was madeGetty“Because you’d be thinking, ‘My team’s actually exerted a bit of pressure, we’re bound to create a few more chances from now until the end of the game.’
“And Gyokeres is the one that you’d want on the end of them.”
Arteta substitutions pay off
Although Arsenal lost the physicality of Gyokeres, Arteta was quick to see the benefits of his decision-making against Bilbao.
Gabriel Martinelli replaced Eberechi Eze in the 71st minute and scored the opening goal just 36 seconds after he entered the field of play as he raced onto an exquisite Trossard flick.
And with three minutes remaining, Trossard found the back of the net to ensure Arsenal won all three points on their travels in Spain, with Martinelli supplying the assist.
The Gunners have already improved on their start to the Champions League from last season when they drew 0-0 with Atalanta.
Luckily for Arsenal, Martinelli and Trossard were their super subs against BilbaoGettyOlympiacos are their next European opponents on October 1 at the Emirates Stadium.
They they pit their wits against Bilbao’s LaLiga rivals Atletico Madrid on home soil.
Hence then, the article about strange decision mikel arteta told arsenal star will be devastated over bizarrely being hooked was published today ( ) and is available on talksport ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( ‘Strange decision’ – Mikel Arteta told Arsenal star will be ‘devastated’ over bizarrely being hooked )
Also on site :
- The hypocritical NFL really doesn’t care about its viewers — even on the holidays
- Broncos vs Chiefs Odds, Touchdown Scorers for Christmas Night
- Fringe USMNT player Haji Wright’s club Coventry City demands record $270 million from desperate West Ham