A night that tested the Gunners’ resolve was ultimately decided by the explosive impact of two players off the bench, showcasing the depth that could define their European ambitions.
Arsenal’s return to the Champions League was far from a comfortable stroll, but a 2-0 victory over a spirited Athletic Club proved they have the weapons to grind out a crucial win on a tough European night.
For long stretches at a raucous San Mamés, Mikel Arteta’s side were under the cosh. The hosts, playing in the competition for the first time in nearly a decade, flew out of the traps, with Alejandro Berenguer causing havoc and striker Viktor Gyökeres going close with a first-half header that whistled past the post.
The game was crying out for a spark, and Arteta found it on his bench. Introducing Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard in the second half changed everything in an instant. It took the Brazilian just 36 seconds to make his mark, bursting onto a perfect Trossard through ball to break the deadlock in the 71st minute.
Martinelli wasn’t done. He then turned provider, dazzling past his marker with a burst of pace and cutting the ball back for Trossard, who calmly slotted home a second to seal the deal with just four minutes remaining.
The goal was a massive personal moment for Martinelli, whose recent form has seen him lose his starting spot to new signing Eberechi Eze. This was a stunning reminder of his game-changing pace and directness when he’s unleashed.
While the individual brilliance won it, the victory also served as a powerful testament to Arsenal’s massive summer investment. With five new signings in the starting lineup and game-winners like Martinelli and Trossard in reserve, the Gunners possessed a firepower that ultimately overwhelmed their opponents.
It wasn’t always pretty, but for a team with serious ambitions in this competition, finding a way to win when you’re not at your fluent best is exactly the kind of statement that matters.
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