ATHLETIC CLUB 0-2 ARSENAL: Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard make an impact off the substitutes' bench as the Gunners earn hard-fought victory in opening Champions League game
Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal celebrates
Gabriel Martinelli rescued Arsenal off the bench(Image: David Ramos/Getty Images)
Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard were the heroes for Arsenal as they earned three points on the opening night of their Champions League campaign, despite a stuttering performance.
The Gunners won six of their eight group stage matches last season to qualify third for the knockout stages, but they struggled to break down the Basque club, who Manchester United stuffed 7-1 on aggregate in the Europa League semi-finals last season.
After 70 minutes of huff and puff, Martinelli came off the bench and scored immediately, racing onto a long ball to squeeze a finish underneath Unai Simon. Fellow sub Trossard then benefited from a hefty deflection to double the lead late on, having been set up by Martinelli.
Despite Arsenal's misfiring attacking play, their goalkeeper didn't have much to do. Their rock-solid defence has become so consistent so as to become almost unremarkable.
Little bombing on from the Dutchman at right-back, but you can see why Arteta likes him so much.
With Martin Odegaard absent, the centre-back took the armband and looked as commanding as ever. Drew blood from Gyokeres' head with an accidental clash of heads.
Robert Navarro of Athletic Club competes for the ball with Gabriel Magalhaes
Gabriel Magalhaes captained Arsenal for the night
The summer signing from Valencia has slotted into the team extremely well since William Saliba went down at Anfield. The 21-year-old looked assured on his Champions League debut, even though he will lose his place to William Saliba as soon as he's ready to return.
Always looking to drive forward, and has the positional sense to go into midfield from left-back, but didn't offer much attacking threat down Arsenal's left, where Eze also struggled.
There’s a feeling that he may be a little bit lightweight as the deepest midfielder, with Alex Berenguer’s dangerous run past him and to the byline just before the break hinting at it. Robbed of possession to trigger a dangerous home counter-attack which ended when Inaki Williams shot straight at Raya.
Declan Rice of Arsenal
Declan Rice was walking a tightrope after an early yellow card
The England midfielder was booked early on and that likely impacted his usual box-to-box all-action playing style. Did play a few nice raking cross-field balls out to Madueke though.
Fairly anonymous in the Arsenal midfield, which struggled to assert themselves on the contest. Became the second Arsenal player to be bloodied in a nasty clash of heads late on.
Continued where he's left off in an Arsenal shirt, looking dangerous every time he receives the ball. His willingness to run with the ball and commit defenders with his pace is a valuable asset for Arsenal. Was the best player before the substitutes stole the show.
Ineffectual on the left wing, which clearly isn't his best position. On his heels when Madueke cut back a glorious chance after 20 minutes and a passenger for much of the match. Substituted in the 71st minute for Martinelli, who scored immediately.
Viktor Gyoekeres of Arsenal receives medical treatment
Viktor Gyokeres had to be bandaged up after a clash of heads with Gabriel
Couldn’t take his chance when played through on goal midway through the second half, or with a diving header minutes later. Suffered a nasty cut to the back of his head in a collision with Gabriel and planted another header wide from Rice's free-kick in the second half. Hooked after 65 minutes having spurned almost all of Arsenal's chances.
Substitutes
Came on and got the assist for Martinelli's goal by flicking on a long ball over the top of the defence. His team-mate then assisted him, with a delayed shot looping over Simon and in via a massive deflection.
Took him 36 seconds to score after coming off the bench. Used his pace to race in behind and, although he got fortunate with his finish, which Unai Simon should've saved, his impact was undeniable.
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