Gary Neville Stunned by Mikel Arteta’s Decision to Bench Arsenal Star in United Loss

Gary Neville questions Mikel Arteta call to leave Gabriel Martinelli unused during Arsenal’s dramatic 3–2 defeat to Manchester United.

Arsenal’s unbeaten Premier League home record ended on Sunday as they fell to a dramatic 3–2 defeat against Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium.

The result trimmed the Gunners’ lead at the top of the table to four points, while continuing Manchester United’s revival under interim manager Michael Carrick, who has now overseen back-to-back statement wins.

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Arsenal made a strong start and went ahead when Lisandro Martinez turned the ball into his own net under pressure.

However, United responded with purpose. Bryan Mbeumo levelled before Patrick Dorgu put the visitors in front. Arsenal looked to have rescued a point late on when Mikel Merino struck in the 84th minute, but Matheus Cunha silenced the Emirates with a stunning long-range winner just three minutes later.

Neville Questions Martinelli Omission

Post-match discussion quickly focused on Mikel Arteta’s substitutions, or lack of them — particularly his decision to leave Gabriel Martinelli on the bench for the entire match.

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville admitted he was stunned that Mikel Arteta did not use Martinelli’s pace and directness against a tiring United defence.

“He threw the kitchen sink at it… but Martinelli didn’t come on. I thought Martinelli, Madueke, Eze and Gyökeres could’ve given them spontaneity,” Neville said on Sky Sports.

“He Didn’t Really Go for It”

Neville argued that Arteta hesitated at a crucial moment, despite appearing to chase the game late on.

“He went for it, but he didn’t really go for it. I expected more instinctive, spontaneous players to come on,” Neville added.

The pundit also felt Arsenal’s late substitutions, including Merino and Ben White, failed to inject urgency or unsettle United’s defensive shape.

United “Let Off the Hook” Without Martinelli Threat

According to Neville, leaving Martinelli unused allowed United’s back line to manage the closing stages without facing the winger’s explosive runs in behind.

Martinelli’s ability to stretch defences and attack space could have altered the game’s tempo, particularly after Arsenal equalised and momentum briefly swung back in their favour.

Arteta Faces Tactical Questions as Title Race Tightens

Arteta did not immediately explain the decision, but similar calls in previous seasons have been linked to tactical balance or rotation. Regardless, the outcome has intensified scrutiny as Arsenal enter a decisive phase of the title race.

With rivals closing ground and margins tightening, selection choices and in-game management are likely to face increased examination.

For Manchester United, the victory reinforces their upward momentum under Carrick, while for Arsenal, Neville’s criticism highlights how fine decisions at elite level can shape an entire season.

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