Arsenal’s Champions League return at San Mames was never going to be a procession. Athletic Club’s first home game back in the competition made for a night heavy with energy and defiance.
Yet what unfolded was exactly the kind of performance that shows how far this Arsenal side have come — a mature, patient display capped by the brilliance of two substitutes who turned the evening into a statement victory.
The atmosphere was fierce, the hosts determined to make it a battle, but Arsenal never panicked. They controlled large spells, picked their moments, and crucially showed they now have the squad depth to decide matches even when the starting eleven cannot find the breakthrough.
That is the real sweetness of this win: the assurance that Arsenal no longer have to be flawless from the first whistle to prevail in Europe.
Gabriel Martinelli’s impact could hardly have been scripted better. On the pitch for just thirty-six seconds, he raced in behind the Athletic defence and finished coolly past Unai Simon to finally tilt the contest.
The eruption from the travelling support said it all — a goal of timing, belief, and quality.
And if that was not enough, Leandro Trossard quickly underlined the point. The Belgian had already supplied the pass for Martinelli’s opener before sealing the night with a crisp finish of his own in the dying moments.
Arsenal’s bench had spoken loudest in Bilbao, and it was the sweetest sound of all for Mikel Arteta. This was not about dazzling dominance, but about control, resilience, and knowing when to strike.
Viktor Gyoekeres and Noni Madueke both threatened, Declan Rice had to manage an early booking, and David Raya was called into action by Inaki Williams. Yet every time the game asked questions, Arsenal had answers.
What makes this performance feel so satisfying is the maturity on display. A year ago, Arsenal’s lack of depth cost them in Europe.
Now, their ability to introduce match-winners from the bench looks like a decisive weapon. It is the kind of progression that turns good sides into genuine contenders.
So while the scoreline reads 2-0, the story is bigger than the numbers. Arsenal walked into a hostile setting, absorbed the noise, and left with three points, two goals, and a sense that this European journey could be something special.
Sweet nights like this are how campaigns are built.