Mikel Arteta takes inspiration from Springboks with substitution tactics

The man is a rugby fan!

Substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandron Trossard both scored, with both men assisting the other for their goals.

The Belgian Trossard has been particularly fruitful off the bench for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, and since his Gunners debut in 2023, he has been involved in more goals off the bench than any other Premier League player across all competitions.

After the game, Arteta highlighted the importance of 'finishers', a concept he has taken from rugby union, and coined by former England head coach Eddie Jones.

He said: "The finishers made an impact to win the game.

"The finishers are going to be more important this season, sometimes than the starters. The quality of those minutes is going to dictate the quality of our season, for sure.

"I have to make decisions, and I have to make decisions based on increasing the probability of winning football matches, and they know that's the only reason why I make certain decisions. Sometimes right, and sometimes they are wrong."

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In recent years, the importance of the bench in rugby has grown and grown, alongside the intensity and physicality of the sport.

The most prominent exponent and innovator of bench tactics has been South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus, who often leaves 'first-choice' players on the bench as part of his 'Bomb Squad', to play what are the most crucial minutes of the match.

Leinster's RG Snyman is a prime example of an athletically gifted and skilful player, who runs amok against tired bodies in the final 30-40 minutes.

His comments on the 'Bomb Squad' put into context the amount of importance placed on substitutes in the Springbok squad.

He said: “It’s actually if a guy gets selected in the starting lineup off the bench, we say, ‘I’m sorry man, maybe next game you will be back in the Bomb Squad.

“We take that role very seriously.”