Arsenal overcame a tough test in Bilbao as substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard delivered decisive goals in a 2-0 win.
Arsenal secured a 2-0 victory over Athletic Club in their Champions League opener on Tuesday, thanks to late goals from substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
Martinelli struck just 36 seconds after coming on, latching onto a pass from Trossard in the 71st minute to break the deadlock. The Brazilian then turned provider in the 86th minute, beating his man before setting up Trossard to squeeze in Arsenal’s second.
It was not a straightforward evening for Mikel Arteta’s men, as the Bilbao side, returning to the Champions League for the first time since 2014-15, pressed hard from the start. Backed by a raucous home crowd, they pinned Arsenal in their own half early on, with Alejandro Berenguer troubling the defence. Arsenal’s best first-half chance fell to Viktor Gyokeres, who missed a close-range header before later suffering a head injury in a clash with Gabriel.
Arteta’s substitutions proved decisive, highlighting the depth in a squad that has seen around £250m invested this summer. “It was not one of the best performances from Arteta’s side but, with three points and another clean sheet in the opening game, their Champions League campaign has started perfectly,” one club source noted.
Analysis: Martinelli shows what he can do after difficult time
Having struggled for form and confidence in recent months, Martinelli’s goal and assist were a reminder of his speed and threat in dangerous areas. Arteta’s faith in the winger and his strengthened bench options look set to be key this season.