Micah Richards says ‘on fire’ Arsenal player should be on the bench a lot more this season

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Micah Richards has some advice for Mikel Arteta ahead of the kick-off of the 2025/26 season.

Arsenal start the season away to Manchester United, travelling to Old Trafford in the hope of commencing the campaign with three points. 

Arteta’s new-look side will be desperate to have their name on the Premier League trophy in May 2026 after missing out on the top spot for three consecutive seasons. 

Pressure is already mounting for Arsenal, with Viktor Gyokeres already having a point to prove as his goalscoring form in Portugal has been put under the spotlight. 

The Swede and the Gunners’ other new signings will want to hit the ground running, as will some members of the existing squad.

• READ MORE: Predicted Arsenal line-up for Man United in first 2025/26 Premier League match, including two debuts and injury return

Micah Richards believes Gabriel Martinelli should be benched

If there’s one player who will be eyeing a statement season, it’s Gabriel Martinelli.

Martinelli was described as ‘on fire’ by Mikel Merino last season, but his form isn’t something that tends to stick around.

The Brazilian is at risk of being axed from the starting XI once the competitive action begins, a topic that was discussed on The Rest Is Football podcast. 

Pundit Micah Richards spoke about Arsenal’s interest in Eberechi Eze, where he touched on what Martinelli’s role should be going into the new campaign. 

“They’ve been linked with Eze, haven’t they?” Richards said. 

“I think Martinelli can definitely do a job, but I think he’s more of an impact player right now. Great to have off the bench.”

Richards believes Martinelli should be benched by Arteta, particularly if Eze comes in to bolster the Gunners’ attack.

It’s not only the Crystal Palace superstar that the Brazil international should be wary of, as new signing Noni Madueke is yet to join the Arsenal squad, and he’ll be desperate to impress Arteta. 

How Martinelli compares to Eberechi Eze

If Madueke wasn’t enough of a concern for Martinelli, then the potential capture of Eze is.

The England international is one of the Premier League’s best playmakers, being deployable both in central areas and on the left.

When comparing Martinelli and Eze’s 2024/25 seasons in the top-flight, the Crystal Palace star came out on top in areas specific to generating play and causing problems in the final third.

The numbers suggest that Martinelli would struggle to compete with Eze, who would offer Arteta something entirely new, a player who would undoubtedly improve those around him.

Arsenal need to see more from Martinelli, but having had two lacklustre seasons, some are already wondering what more there is to see.