Arteta explains how unsung Arsenal star's position change led to Man City win

09 October 2023 , 08:17

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Arteta explains how unsung Arsenal star's position change led to Man City win

Mikel Arteta has hailed Takehiro Tomiyasu after his involvement in the winning goal as Arsenal beat Manchester City 1-0.

It is the first time Arsenal have beaten City in the Premier League under Arteta, with Gabriel Martinelli netting a late winner. The goal saw all four of Arteta's substitutes link up, with Thomas Partey playing a ball over the top that Tomiyasu headed down to Kai Havertz in the penalty area.

Havertz then set up Martinelli, whose shot was deflected past a helpless Ederson by Nathan Ake. Speaking after the match, Arteta was asked about Tomiyasu's involvement in the goal, revealing he initially brought him on to deal with Jeremy Doku but then asked him to play "as a left winger" after the City star swapped wings.

"I just told him that! I said Tomi, you know they put Doku there in the first moment. After they changed him to the other side, and we made the changes straight away, and then we see him as a left winger chasing the keeper," Arteta said in his post match press conference.

"To be fair, the subs were excellent again. They were involved in the goal, but they brought so much physicality, energy and quality to the team." He was also full of praise for Martinelli's impact off the bench, with the 22-year-old returning to action after missing their last five games with a hamstring injury.

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"He's been saying for a few weeks that I was going to be there for City," Arteta added. "Obviously, we were saying that Gabi it would be too early for you, and yesterday he said, boss I told you, I'm going to be ready for this.

"And it happened after 30 minutes that Leo (Trossard) felt something in his hamstring. So, when I turned around, he was already ready, to go with his kit, and saying 'boss, I'm ready to go'. He's just got the joy of a kid, his mentality is incredible at his age, and it's just a joy to have him because today he could change the game and he was really helpful for us to win."

Arteta praised the impact of substitute Takehiro Tomiyasu, who was involved in Arsenal's winner (David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

City boss Pep Guardiola, meanwhile, reflected after the defeat: "That game, we started really well with two or three chances. They started the second half really well with the rhythm. The it was tight and they got a deflection goal. They won, congratulations to them.

"We tried. We did it. I think from both sides there was not a lot of chances. I think both teams did good high pressing. It was tight and in the end, one action, we lost the game.

"Ten minutes was like that [Arsenal on top] and after it was equal. We had also our moments but in general it was a tight game. Unfortunately they did it."

Matthew Cooper