Arteta pushes Premier League to expand bench sizes after leaving Nwaneri out of Arsenal opener

Mikel Arteta has called on the Premier League to increase the number of players permitted on matchday benches, after being forced to leave several Arsenal players — including teenage prospects Ethan Nwaneri and Marli Salmon — out of Sunday’s 3-0 opening-day victory over Manchester City in Cardiff.

Arsenal took the lead within 30 seconds and never looked back, with Martin Odegaard prominent in a commanding performance. Yet the result was almost overshadowed by the names absent from Arteta’s squad entirely, with the omissions intensifying speculation that some players could leave before the transfer window closes.

“It’s really sad not to have their availability,” Arteta said. “I’ve been fighting with the Premier League to extend and accommodate more players in the squad because they deserve to be in the squad, there’s no question. Ethan and Marli as well, who has had the whole pre-season with us. Hopefully we can change that rule so players can enjoy on the pitch and can be an option to play and contribute to the team going forward.”

Nwaneri missed out despite Arteta naming a formidable attacking line-up that included Noni Madueke, Odegaard, new signing Christos Tzolis, and Kai Havertz. Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Max Dowman, and Viktor Gyokeres were among those on the bench, alongside Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, and Martin Zubimendi.

Brazilian forwards Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli were also absent from the matchday squad entirely. Jesus has one year remaining on his contract at the Emirates, while Martinelli has attracted interest from Galatasaray and faces stiff competition for a starting place. Asked whether both players would remain at Arsenal before the window shuts, Arteta was unequivocal: “Yes, they’re very important for us.”

The manager’s push to expand bench numbers is unlikely to find universal support across the division. Critics will argue that allowing more substitutes would disproportionately benefit the wealthiest clubs — Arsenal chief among them — who have the resources to build the kind of deep, high-quality squads that Arteta has assembled during his tenure. For the sides lower down the table already bracing for another season of facing the champions, the prospect of Arteta having even more options at his disposal will hold little appeal.