Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal’s Champions League campaign got off to a winning start with a 2-0 victory over Athletic Club at the San Mames Stadium.
Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard came off the bench to score the crucial goals, with Martinelli netting just 36 seconds after his introduction.
The Brazil winger was set up by Trossard in the 71st minute, and he repaid the favour by beating his marker and delivering a precise pass to Trossard, who slotted the ball home in the 86th minute.
The match was a challenging one for Arsenal, with Athletic Club starting strongly and pinning them back for much of the opening period.
Alejandro Berenguer was a thorn in Arsenal’s side, causing problems for the defence with his pace and movement.
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Despite struggling to gain traction in the first half, Arsenal had the best chance of the opening 45 minutes when Viktor Gyokeres headed wide from close range.
Gyokeres was involved in a heavy clash of heads with teammate Gabriel, resulting in a bandage around his head by the end of the match.
Arteta’s substitutions proved pivotal in the second half, as Martinelli and Trossard changed the dynamics of the game.
Martinelli’s recent dip in form had seen him start the last two games on the bench, but his performance against Athletic Club will undoubtedly give him a much-needed boost.
The £250m investment in Arsenal squad this summer was evident, with Arteta having quality options to choose from on the bench.
The win marks a perfect start to Arsenal’s Champions League campaign, with the Gunners aiming to better last year’s run to the semi-finals.
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While it wasn’t one of Arsenal best performances, the three points and another clean sheet will be welcomed by the coaching staff.
Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard scored against Athletic club. (Photo credit: Getty images)
Arteta’s side will look to build on this momentum as they continue their European campaign.
Athletic Club, who were back in the Champions League for the first time since the 2014-15 season, gave Arsenal a tough test but ultimately fell short.
Their head coach, Ernesto Valverde, had expressed concerns about the lack of depth in his squad, particularly in defence, and it seemed to show at times during the match.
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