How Arteta masterminded Arsenal goals with Saka’s inspired tactical switch and amazing Martinelli substitution
MIKEL ARTETA inspired Arsenal to a 2-0 win over Newcastle with both goals coming as a result of clever tactical changes.
Arsenal were frustrated in the first half with Eddie Howe setting up his team to play defensive, narrow football.
Mikel Arteta changed the game with his tactical switches[/caption]Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang missed an open goal with Emile Smith Rowe also guilty of wasting a chance, before Arteta switched things up.
He was visibly frustrated with his side’s low tempo but Arsenal kept pressing and were rewarded.
An excellent 16-pass move culminated with Nuno Taveres slipping in Bukayo Saka down the left side of the area to score.
But the goal was only made possible by the England star being given the freedom by Arteta to move from right flank to left.
Saka was forced off due to injury minutes later and Arteta turned to Gabriel Martinelli rather than Alexandre Lacazette or Nicolas Pepe.
And his bold choice was rewarded moments later when Martinelli clipped a delightful volley past the onrushing Martin Dubravka with just his SECOND touch of the match.
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When asked about the move that led to the opening goal, Arteta told BT Sport: “It was great, and that’s what you need some creativity, some spark in the final third against a really low block.
“Once that happened the spaces were different and we were able to score a second.
“It’s what he deserves, Gabi is a joy to work with.
“The way he trains whether he is playing or not, he totally deserves a chance and he is a goal threat and that wasn’t an easy goal.”
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