Arsenal idol fumes as Gabriel Martinelli decision questioned – ‘do not blame that’
Kevin Campbell has rubbished the idea Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta got his substitutions wrong at Newcastle United.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Gunners and Everton striker insisted substitutions cannot be blamed because “no player played to their ability.”
Mikel Arteta’s side’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League are all but over following a 2-0 defeat at St. James’ Park on Monday.
Speaking on talkSPORT (16 May), ex-Arsenal winger Perry Groves questioned Arteta’s decision to replace Emile Smith Rowe with Gabriel Martinelli after 53 minutes.
He claimed the Brazilian winger should have been brought on at half-time.
When asked by Football Insider for his thoughts on Arteta’s substitutions at Newcastle, Campbell said: “It does not matter.
“People can question the substitutions but it wasn’t the reason Arsenal lost.
“We were not at the races from minute one to minute 90. Do not blame substitutions for that defeat.
“The fact of the matter is, that was a learning curve. It is all good and well playing good for the majority of the season but these are the moments that define you as a player. This is where you earn your name.
“They are just not quite ready yet. The club is not ready. Arteta is depending on players who are not starters.
“Listen, we can talk about Xhaka and substitutions but no player played to their ability yesterday. Not one of them did.”
In other news, a pundit has claimed Arsenal could seal ‘marquee’ signing after journalist’s ‘brilliant’ update.