Mikel Arteta says the "finishers" in his Arsenal squad could be "more important" than those in the starting line-up this season - a concept he says he has taken from rugby union.
Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard both scored - and assisted one another - after coming off the bench to guide the Gunners to a 2-0 win at Spanish side Athletic Club in their opening Champions League game.
Martinelli has had a tough time in recent months - struggling for form and being dropped to the bench, with new arrival Eberechi Eze preferred on the left wing.
Belgium forward Trossard, meanwhile, has been limited to just three substitute appearances so far in 2025-26 after playing 56 times last season.
Does that mean they are now any less important? Not according to Arteta, who said he "loves" the way players are often referred to as "finishers" in rugby union.
Asked about the mentality of the players left on the bench, he said: "They are at least equally important, or more important. We have discussed that.
"The finishers are going to be more important this season sometimes than the starters.
"We can change the game there, especially with the intensity that we play and teams start to drop off. I'm very pleased to see that."