Super subs: Our "finishers" setting new benchmarks
Source: AFC Official Site
Published 1 hour ago
When Gabriel Martinelli’s late dart and pass was followed by an exquisite touch and finish by Kai Havertz to clinch a late 1-0 win at Sporting Lisbon, it once again highlighted the impact of our substitutes this season.
The duo were introduced by Mikel Arteta to turn the tide in our favour, and they delivered to hand us the advantage in our Champions League quarter-final. But across all competitions this term, our “finishers” as Mikel labels them, have been putting up massive numbers.
Kai’s strike in the Portuguese capital was the 24th time a sub has netted for us in 2025/26, while Gabi’s assist took that total from our replacements up to 14. The Brazilian has been the biggest difference-maker when introduced off the bench with eight goal involvements to his name, but 13 different players have made a major contribution:
| Player | Goals | Assists | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gabriel Martinelli | 3 | 5 | 8 |
| Viktor Gyokeres | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| Leandro Trossard | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| Bukayo Saka | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| Kai Havertz | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Martin Odegaard | 0 | 3 | ...