By Adam Bate
Copyright skysports
Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard came off the bench to earn Arsenal a 2-0 Champions League win over Athletic Club in Bilbao.
Mikel Arteta’s side struggled to fashion clear openings for much of the contest but, once summer signings Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze departed, Martinelli latched onto a ball over the top by Trossard in the 72nd minute to find the breakthrough goal 36 seconds after coming on.
Martinelli then returned the favour for Trossard soon after to seal the victory, the Belgian’s deflected strike leaving goalkeeper Unai Simon helpless to keep it out. In a keenly-fought contest, the cutting edge of the Arsenal substitutes made the difference.
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The Gunners, who were beaten in the semi-finals of the competition last season by eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain, were typically solid in defence against an Athletic side back in the Champions League for the first time in 11 seasons.
The Basque outfit were combative throughout the game but Arsenal, who welcomed Declan Rice back into the starting line-up, overcame the intimidating atmosphere inside San Mames to secure the three points and a perfect start to their European campaign.
Martinelli makes his point
Eze had some nice touches out on the left wing but would no doubt be happier in a more central role where he could be more involved and the former Crystal Palace favourite does not possess the lightning pace to trouble the opposition in behind.
Gyokeres, meanwhile, got through plenty of running himself but was restricted to half chances until Martinelli changed the game. The Brazilian’s speed was too much for a tiring Athletic defence, while Trossard brought a bit of craft that was lacking.
Eze or Martinelli, Gyokeres or Trossard, these are players who pose very different threats and Arteta will feel that he has the squad depth now to test opponents in different ways. He will leave his native Basque Country buoyed ahead of the visit of Manchester City.
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