Champions League football is back and after coming so close to glory last season, Arsenal are on their quest to become champions of Europe for the first time in their history.
Mikel Arteta's men continued their fine start to the campaign with a win over Athletic Club. Second-half goals by substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard meant the Gunners made it four wins from five games across all competitions.
Despite being at their best in Spain, Arsenal will now go into Sunday's huge Premier League clash with Manchester City on the back of a vital three points in Europe.
Here, football.london brings you moments you may have missed from the win at the San Mames Stadium...
Champions League recognition
Champions League football is a dream for most professional footballers. Competing against Europe's elite at such a prestigious level is something not every player gets the luxury of doing but for Eberechi Eze, Bilbao was his first taste of the competition.
After signing from Crystal Palace in the summer, Eze started in Spain after registering an assist in the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest. And before a ball was kicked, the 27-year-old was brimming with pride alongside fellow summer signing Noni Madueke.
As both teams lined-up, TV cameras spotted Eze and Madueke cracking a smile during the famous Champions League anthem. Madueke has only featured in the competition previously in the qualifying stages during his time at PSV Eindhoven.
Rice and Merino disagreement
Two players who did play a big part in the Gunners' Champions League journey last season are Declan Rice and Mikel Merino. With Martin Odegaard out of the squad with a shoulder problem, Merino replaced him as Arteta's most advanced midfielder.
In the first 30 minutes in Bilbao, Arsenal struggled to lay a punch on their opponents and during a lengthy pause in play after Viktor Gyokeres required attention, Rice and Merino seemed to have it out.
The midfield pair were pictured disagreeing about something during a debate on the pitch.
Gabriel Martinelli message
No player within the Arsenal team has been scrutinised as much as Martinelli. Eze's arrival has meant he is expected to be forced to fight for his place in Arteta's strongest XI.
After coming on in the 78th minute at the weekend, the forward replaced Eze in the 71st minute in Spain and within 36 seconds, he was on the scoresheet. A cool and calm finish down the heart of Athletic's defence saw him hand Arteta a reminder of his quality.
However, after such a dramatic start to his evening, the Brazilian was somewhat muted in his celebration. Martinelli jogged away from the goal before waiting for the rest of his teammates to reach him.
Riccardo Calafiori was the first to congratulate him, catching Martinelli and hugging him. Madueke, Merino and Leandro Trossard followed in the celebrations shortly after.
Martinelli won't be delighted with losing his place in the first XI but he will have done himself every chance of starting against Manchester City on Sunday with his cameo against Bilbao.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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